University  of  California  •  Berkeley 

Purchased  from 

THOMAS  W.  STREETER 
BEQUEST 


COMPILED  AND  EDITED 

BY 

MAJOR  E.  L.  N.  GLASS,  10TH  CAV. 
COPYRIGHT,  1921 


Of  tlj£ 


1866 


1921 


COLONEL  EDWIN  B.  WIN  AN  S 


to  one  foljo  inspires  ttje  respect  of  ifyose 
fotfo  knout  tjim,  fafyose  qualities  of  djaract 
botfy  affection  anh  personal  logaltg, 
to  one  unber  felfom  it  is  a 
anfr  a  privilege  to 


t0  book  is  fobttateh  as  a  sltgtjt  tribute 
of  tte  r^ar^  tn  hii|tcl|  \\t  t 
command 


JOHN  J.  PERSHING 
GENERAL  OF  THE  ARMIES 


The  record  of  the  phenomenal  growth  and  expan- 
sion of  our  country  is  resplendent  with  the  contribu- 
tory and  glorious  achievements  of  its  Army.  From 
the  pioneer  days  when  our  forefathers  carved  their 
way  into  the  wilds  and  dangers  of  the  west  to  the 
present,  the  Army  has  played  a  most  important  part  in 
shaping  the  destiny  of  tins  country.  It  lias  been  an 
honor,  which  I  am  proud  to  claim,  to  have  been  at  one 
time  a  member  of  that  intre/n'd  organization  of  the 
Army  which  lias  always  added  glory  to  the  military 
history  of  America — The  wth  Cavalry. 

Several  years  of  my  early  military  life  were  spent 
with  that  organization,  and  as  I  look  back  I  can  but 
fee!  that  the  associations  with  the  splendid  officers  and 
men  of  the  loth  Cavalry  were  of  the  greatest  value  to 
me.  The  Army  and  the  country  must  assuredly  have 
a  glorious  sense  of  pride  when  they  review  through 
these  pages  the  stirring  deeds  and  honorable  history  of 
this  Regiment. 

It  is  a  pleasure  to  have  this  opportunity  of  record- 
ing my  congratulations  to  the  officers  and  men  who 
have  been  or  arc  members  of  the  wth  Cavalry,  not 
onlv  on  their  contribution  to  the  Army  during  the 
past  but  also  on  their  present  high  state  of  efficiency 
and  organization.  My  best  wishes  go  with  you  in  the 
full  confidence  that  you  will  meet  every  call  which 
falls  to  you  in  the  days  to  come  with  the  same  spirit  of 
patriotism  and  sense  of  duty  as  you  have  in  the  past. 


J.  G.  HARBORD 
MAJOR  GENERAL,  U.  S.  A. 


Thirty  years  ago  the  Old  Army,  whose  traditions  we  inherit,  was  the  Indian-fighting 
army  which  had  zvon  the  west  for  our  civilisation.  After  the  Spanish-American  war  it  was 
the  service  of  the  period  just  preceding  that  conflict.  Now  a  new  generation  is  talking  of 
the  Old  Army,  meaning  the  regular  service  as  we  knew  and  loved  it  in  the  first  sixteen 
years  of  the  century. 

But  for  anyone  now  in  the  American  uniform,  the  Tenth  Cavalry  has  always  been  -of 
the  Old  Army.  It  probably  has  more  veterans  in  its  ranks  than  any  other  regiment  in  the 
service.  The  traditions  of  oilier  days  cluster  round  it  guidons,  and  the  brave  stories  of 
the  frontier  are  still  told  before  its  camp-fires. 

Organised  in  1866,  w///;  officers  and  men  fresh  from  the  fields  of  the  Civil  War,  it 
bore  an  honorable  part  in  the  hard  riding  and  fighting  of  the  Indian  wars.  Thirty- four 
years  ago  it  was  scouting  the  cactus-covered  hills  of  Arizona  near  where  its  guidons 
flutter  today,  hunting  the  Apache  Kid  and  Geronimo  of  the  zvily  Apaches. 

A  period  of  garrison  life  in  Montana,  enlivened  by  occasional  contact  with  the  ghost- 
dancing  warriors  of  the  North,  and  the  regiment  w<as  brought  to  Tampa  in  June,  1898, 
from  three  different  stations.  How  well  it  bore  its  part  in  the  fighting  before  Santiago  is 
told  in  every  history  of  the  Cuban  campaign.  From  Montauk  to  Huntsville,  thence  to 
Texas,  and  back  to  Cuba  in  April,  1899,  kept  the  regiment  busy  in  the  months  that  followed 
the  surrender  of  Santiago. 

A  squadron  of  the  Tenth  fought  in  Samar  in  the  last  days  of  the  Philippine  insurrec- 
tion, the  remainder  of  the  regiment  returning  to  Texas  from  Cuba.  It  followed  Pershing 
into  Mexico  after  the  Columbus  raid — and  there  zvere  men  in  it  who  remembered  when  the 
general  had  been  a  lieutenant  in  the  regiment.  The  years  1917-19  found  the  Tenth  Cavalry 
along  our  Mexican  frontier  exemplifying  the  fact  that  no  matter  what  the  remainder  of  the 
army  may  be  doing,  our  southern  border  is  as  much  the  responsibility  of  our  cavalry  as  the 
defense  of  our  harbors  is  the  duty  of  the  coast  artillery,  or  the  ocean  is  the  battlefield  and 
maneuver  ground  of  our  army. 

In  these  days  of  unrest  and  uncertainty,  inevitable  after  such  a  war  as  nearly  wrecked 
our  civilisation,  the  rallying  points  in  our  service  must  be  in  the  study  of  our  military  history 
and  the  preservation  of  our  ancient  traditions.  There  are  few  regiments  in  any  service 
rvhich  can  point  to  a  half  century  of  better  history  than  can  the  Tenth  United  States  Cavalry, 
of  which  the  writer  is  proud  that  he  zvas  once  an  officer. 

Camp  Travis,  Texas,  May  20th,  1921. 


M^ajor  General,  U.  S.  Army. 


This  volume  contains  the  history  of  the  Tenth  Cav- 
alry from  its  organization  to  present  date,  so  far  as  can 
be  gleaned  from  reports,  records  and  personal  recol- 
lections. No  effort  has  been  made  to  elaborate  on  in- 
cidents, the  aim  being  merely  to  present  an  accurate 
and  brief  record  of  the  regiment. 

The  editor  desires  to  express  his  thanks  and  appre- 
ciation for  the  contributions  and  memoranda  received 
from  General  John  3 .  Pershing,  Major  General  James 
G.  Harbord,  Brigadier  General  S.  L.  Woodivard, 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Frederick  J.  Herman,  Lieutenant 
Colonel  C.  A.  Romeyn,  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  E. 
Phillips,  and  for  the  valuable  assistance  rendered  bv 
Staff  Sergeants  James  F.  Booker  and  Andrew  Lewis. 


jltrtlf  of  %  ®mtl|  ffla&alrg 

27?  <?  sterling  worth  of  the  colored  soldier  was 
proved  on  many  battle-fields  of  the  Civil  War. 
Congress  was  eminently  right  in  providing  for 
four  regiments  of  colored  soldiers,  in  the  reor- 
ganization bill  of  1866. 

Section  III  of  an  "Act  to  Increase  and  Fix 
the  Military  Peace  Establishment  of  the  United 
States",  provided  "that  to  the  six  regiments  of 
cavalry  now  in  service,  there  shall  be  added 
four  regiments,  two  of  which  sliall  be  com- 
posed of  colored  men".  These  two  became  the 
Ninth  and  Tenth  Regiments  of  Cavalry. 

The  Tenth  Cavalry  on  the  28th  day  of  July, 
1866,  thus  came  into  being,  to  join  her  sister 
regiments  among  the  elite  of  the  army,  and  in 
the  years  that  followed,  created  for  itself  a 
record  which  cedes  primac\  to  none. 


CHAPTER  I. 


ORGANIZATION  AND  COMPOSITION 

NTIL  Colonel  Benjamin  H.  Grierson  arrived  at  Fort  Leavenworth,  Kan- 
has,  to  organize  the  regiment,  the  Tenth  Cavalry  existed  only  in  the 
statute  books.  The  Adjutant  General  of  the  Army  was  apprised  of  its 
existence  upon  the  receipt  of  its  initial  regimental  return,  dated  Septem- 
ber 30,  1866. 

This  return  shows  the  total  strength  of  the  regiment  to  consist  of 
Colonel  Grierson,  present  for  duty,  and  Lieut.  Colonel  Charles  C.  Walcutt, 
absent  on  recruiting  service.  The  only  other  entry  is  "Recruits  required,  1092."  Recruiting 
for  the  regiment,  however,  was  actually  carried  en  throughout  the  Departments  of  the 
Missouri,  Arkansas  and  Platte.  Officers  were  detailed  to  canvass  the  colored  troops  of 
those  departments,  and  secured  re-enlistments  for  the  new  regiments.  In  those  days  the 
enlistment  period  was  five  years  for  cavalry  service,  three  years  for  infantry ;  an  early 
criterion  for  the  argument  that  a  longer  time  is  required  to  develop  the  cavalry  soldier. 

As  regards  the  officers,  Congress  had  passed  a  proviso  regulating  the  commissions 
granted  in  these  new  regiments : 

"That  no  person  shall  be  commissioned  in  any  of  the  regiments  authorized  by  this  Act 
until  he  shall  have  passed  a  satisfactory  examination  before  a  board  to  be  composed  of 
officers  of  that  arm  of  the  service  in  which  the  applicant  is  to  serve,  to  be  convened  under 
the  direction  of  the  Secretary  of  War,  which  shall  inquire  into  the  services  rendered  during 
the  war,  capacity  and  qualifications  of  the  applicant ;  and  every  such  appointment,  when 
made,  shall  be  without  regard  to  previous  rank,  but  with  sole  regard  to  qualifications  and 
meritorious  services." 

There  can  be  no  doubt  that  the  above  enactment  permitted  men  of  only  the  highest 
caliber  to  be  commissioned  in  these  regiments.  This  insured  for  the  infant  Tenth  Cavalry 
a  splendid  body  of  officers,  who  gave  it  a  good  start  in  life.  The  regimental  commander, 
as  a  corollary,  also  set  a  high  enlistment  standard.  So  high,  in  fact,  that  by  the  close  of 
the  year  (1866)  but  sixty-four  recruits  had  been  accepted. 

A  unique  feature  of  trie  recruiting  was  the  fact  that  it  was  mainly  regimental.  Officers 
of  the  regiment  would  not  wait  at  headquarters  for  the  recruits  to  come  in ;  on  the  contrary, 
they  were  sent  out  to  do  their  own  recruiting.  In  this  way  applicants  for  enlistment  would 
see  at  the  start  the  kind  of  officer  they  were  to  soldier  under.  Likewise,  the  officer  could 
see  what  kind  of  men  he  was  taking  into  his  regiment,  or  troop. 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  13 

The  return  for  December,  1866,  shows  two  field  officers,  one  company  officer  and  sixty- 
four  unassigned  recruits.  There  was  as  yet  no  staff,  nor  any  clerks.  To  remedy  the  lack 
of  material  for  the  non-commissioned  grades,  etc..  Colonel  Grierson  had  Captain  Louis  H. 
Carpenter  sent  to  Philadelphia,  Pa.,  writing  him : 

''I  requested  you  to  be  sent  there  to  recruit  colored  men  sufficiently  educated  to  fill  the 
positions  of  non-commissioned  officers,  clerks  and  mechanics  in  the  regiment.  You  will 
use  the  greatest  care  in  your  selection  of  recruits.  Although  sent  to  recruit  men  for  the 
positions  specified  above,  you  will  also  enlist  all  superior  men  you  can  who  will  do  credit 
to  the  regiment." 

In  July  the  regiment  comprised  : 
Field  and  Staff- 
Colonel  B.  H.  Grierson, 
Lt.  Col.  J.  W.  Davidson, 
Major  J.  W.  Forsyth, 
Major  M.  H.  Kidd, 
Chaplain  W.  M.  Grimes, 
Captain  Henry  E.  Alvord,  Adjutant. 

Company  A — Color,  bay.     Organized   February   18,   1867. 
Captain  Nicholas  Nolan, 
Lieut.  G.  W.  Graham, 
Lieut.  G.  F.  Raulston. 

Company  B — Color,  bay.     Organized  April  1,  1867. 
Captain  J.  B.  Vande  Wiele, 
Lieut.  J.  D.  Myrick, 
Lieut.  J.  W.  Myers. 

Company  C — Color,  bay.     Organized  May  15,  1867. 
Captain  Edward  Byrne, 
Lieut.  T.  C.  Lebo, 
Lieut.  T.  J.  Spencer. 

Company  D — Color,  bay.    Organized  June  1,  1867,  at  Fort  Gibson,  I.  T. 
Captain  J.  W.  Walsh, 
Lieut.  Robert  Gray, 
Lieut.  R.  H.  Pratt. 

Company  E — Color,  bay.     Organized  June  15,  1867. 
Captain  G.  T.  Robinson, 
Lieut.  J.  T.  Morrison. 

Company  F — Color,  gray.     Organized  June  21,  1867. 
Captain  G.  A.  Armes, 
Lieut.  P.  L.  Lee, 
Lieut.  J.  A.  Bodamer. 

Company  G — Color,  bay.     Organized  July  5,  1867. 
Captain  H.  T.  Davis, 
Lieut.  W.  B.  Kennedy, 
Lieut.  M.  J.  Amick. 

Company  H— Color,  black.     Organized  July  21,  1867. 
Captain  L.  H.  Carpenter, 
Lieut.  T.  J.  Spencer, 
Lieut.  L.  H.  Orleman. 


14 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 


Aggregate  strength,  25  officers  and  702  men. 

On  August  6,  1867,  regimental  headquarters  moved  to  Fort  Riley,  Kansas,  where  the 
remaining  four  troops  were  organized,  as  follows : 

Company  I — Color,  bay.     Organized  August  15,  1867. 
Captain  G.  W.  Graham, 
Lieut.  Silas  Pepoon. 

Company  K — Color,  bay.    Organized  September  1,  1867. 
Captain  C.  G.  Cox, 
Lieut.  R.  G.  Smithers, 
Lieut.  B.  F.  Bell. 

Company  L — Color,  sorrel.    Organized  September  2,1  1867. 
Captain  R.  Gray, 
Lieut.  C.  E.  Nordstrom. 

Company  M — Color,  mixed.     Organized  October  15,  1867. 
Captain  H.  E.  Alvord, 
Lieut.  P.  L.  Lee, 
Lieut.  W.  R.  Harmon. 

(Company  M  got  all  the  horses  that  would  not  match  any  other  troop  and  was  called 
the  "Calico"'  company). 

The  last  original  vacancies  in  the  field  and  staff  were  filled  by  the  assignment  of  Major 
J.  E.  Yard,  and  the  appointment  of  1st  Lieut.  W.  H.  Beck  as  regimental  quartermaster. 
The  chaplain's  duties  included  instructing  the  enlisted  men  in  common  school  subjects. 
He  was  a  "regimental  chaplain' ; ;  outside  the  colored  regiments  they  were  "army  chaplains." 


CHAPTER  II. 
EARLY  FIELD  SERVICE 

ITTLE  time  was  lost  in  placing  the  regiment  in  the  field.  The  1st  and  2nd 
Squadrons  were  detailed  on  the  list  of  the  Kansas  Pacific  Railroad, 
guarding  it  and  protecting  the  working  parties.  Fort  Hays,  Fort  Harker, 
and  other  posts  along  the  Smoky  Hill  River,  Kansas,  were  the  outposts  of 
civilization.  Beyond  lay  the  hunting  grounds  of  the  Indians,  and  they 
looked  with  dread  and  anger  at  the  advancement  of  civilization  westward. 
The  colors  of  the  regiment  first  came  under  fire  on  August  2,  1867, 
about  forty  miles  northeast  of  Fort  Hays,  near  the  Saline  River.  Company  F,  patrolling  the 
railroad,  was  attacked  by  a  band  of  three  hundred  Indians.  The  troop  comprised  two  officers 
and  thirty-four  men.  The  fight  lasted  six  hours.  The  troop,  badly  outnumbered,  was  in  the 
end  forced  to  retire,  after  inflicting  heavy  losses  on  the  hostiles.  Captain  Armes  was 
wounded,  and  Sergeant  William  Christy  killed. 

On  the  21st  of  the  same  months  the  second  baptism  of  fire  was  had.  Captain  Armes 
with  forty  of  his  men,  together  with  ninety  men  of  the  18th  Kansas  Volunteers,  engaged 
some  thousand  hostiles  in>  about  the  same  locality  as  the  first  fight.  They  were  hampered 
by  a  large  wagon  train  loaded  with  supplies.  The  engagement  lasted  all  the  afternoon,  with 
severe  losses  on  both  sides.  One  private  of  F  Company  was  killed  and  nineteen  wounded. 
The  volunteers  lost  fifteen  wounded.  Fifteen  horses  were  killed  and  many  wounded.  A  first 
hand  account  of  this  engagement  would  be  most  valuable ;  unfortunately,  it  is  doubtful  if 
there  survives  today  any  participant. 

On  September  15th,  1868,  a  detachment  of  Company  G,  Sergeant  Davis  and  nine  men, 
was  attacked  by  sixty  Cheyennes.  The  Indians  were  badly  beaten,  with  the  loss  of  one 
private  wounded  and  two  laborers  killed. 

The  headquarters  of  the  regiment  remained  at  Fort  Riley  until  April  17,  1868.  The 
regiment  was  scattered  throughout  Kansas  and  Indian  Territory  (Oklahoma)  ;  the  troops 
were  very  much  occupied  learning  their  drill,  patrolling  the  Union  Pacific  Railroad  and 
protecting  the  far-flung  settlements. 

The  winter  of  1867-68  found  the  regiment  engaged  in  General  Sheridan's  winter  cam- 
paign against  Black  Kettle's  band  of  Cheyennes.  This  tribe  bore  one  of  the  worst  repu- 


16  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

tations  of  any  of  the  plains  Indians.  They  were  not  confined  to  reservations,  but  came 
in  to  designated  agencies  to  draw  rations,  blankets  and  other  supplies.  Black  Kettle  was  a 
wily  chief,  and  much  hard  riding  and  scouting  was  required  before  his  band  was  broken 
up  and  their  capacity  to  commit  depredations  ruined.  This  winter  campaign  taught  them 
that  the  troopers  could  and  would  follow  them  to  any  length,  and  the  Tenth  Cavalry  did 
an  equal  share  in  wiping  out  their  menace.  In  one  march  the  regiment  was  caught  in  a 
terrible  blizzard  and  lost  over  a  hundred  horses  through  starvation  and  freezing. 

In  the  fall  of  1868  actual  service  was  seen  again.  Company  I  fought  a  drawn  battle 
with  one  hundred  Cheyennes  at  Big  Sandy  Creek  on  September  15th,  losing  ten  horses,  but 
killing  seven  hostiles. 

In  the  same  month  Companies  H  and  I  formed  part  of  the  relief  party  to  the  rescue 
of  Lieutenant  Colonel  George  A.  Forsyth,  who,  with  a  party  of  scouts,  was  attacked  and 
"corralled''  by  a  force  of  about  700  Indians  on  an  island  in  the  Republican  River.  Two  of 
Forsyth's  scouts  stole  through  the  Indian  lines  and  brought  word  of  the  perilous  situation 
of  the  command  to  Fort  Wallace.  Parties  were  soon  on  the  way  to  its  relief.  First  and 
last  the  following  troops  were  started  toward  it  from  different  points:  Captain  Bankhead 
with  about  one  hundred  men  of  the  5th  Infantry,  Captain  Carpenter  with  Co.  H,  Captain 
Graham  with  Co.  I  of  the  10th  Cavalry,  and  two  companies  of  the  2nd  Cavalry  under  Major 
Brisbin. 

Captain  Carpenter's  company  was  the  first  of  these  commands  to  arrive  upon  the 
scene.  It  found  Forsyth's  command  out  of  rations,  living  on  horse  flesh  without  salt  or 
pepper.  All  its  officers  had  been  killed  or  wounded.  Every  horse  and  mule,  too,  had  been 
killed.  Forsyth,  who  had  been  twice  wounded,  was  lying  in  a  square  hole  scooped  out  in 
the  sand  within  a  few  feet  of  the  line  of  dead  horses  which  half  encircled  the  hole  and 
impregnated  the  air  with  a  terrible  stench.  Captain  Carpenter  immediately  pitched  a 
number  of  tents  in  a  suitable  place  nearby,  had  the  wounded  men  carried  to  them,  and  the 
rest  removed  to  a  more  salubrious  air. 

Twenty-six  hours  later  Captain  Bankhead  arrived  bringing  with  him  the  companies  of 
the  2nd  Cavalry. 

On  October  14th,  1868,  two  weeks  after  he  had  returned  to  Fort  Wallace  with  the 
wounded  of  Forsyth's  command,  Captain  Carpenter  was  ordered  to  take  his  own  company, 
H,  and  Co.  I  of  the  10th  Cavalry,  and  escort  Major  Carr,  of  the  5th  Cavalry,  to  his  com- 
mand, supposed  to  be  on  Beaver  Creek.  On  the  march  he  was  attacked  by  a  force  of 
about  five  hundred  Indians.  After  proceeding,  regardless  of  the  enemy's  firing  and  yelling, 
far  enough  to  gain  a  suitable  position,  he  halted  his  command,  had  the  wagons  corralled 
close  together  and  rushed  his  men  inside  at  a  gallop.  He  had  them  dismount,  tie  their 
horses  to  the  wagons,  and  form  on  the  outside  around  the  corral.  Then  followed  a  volley 
of  Spencers  which  drove  the  Indians  back  as  though  they  were  thrown  from  a  cannon. 

A  number  of  the  warriors,  showing  more  bravery  than  the  others,  undertook  to  stand 
their  ground.  Nearly  all  of  these,  together  with  their  ponies,  were  killed.  Three  dead 
warriors  lay  within  fifty  yards  of  the  wagons.  The  Indians  were  so  demoralized  by  these 
results  that  they  did  not  renew  the  attack  and  the  troops  accomplished  their  march  without 
further  molestation.  They  were  back  at  Fort  Wallace  on  the  21st,  having  traveled  230 
miles  in  about  seven  days. 

For  their  gallantry  in  the  fight,  which  took  place  on  Beaver  Creek,  the  officers  and  men 
were  thanked  by  General  Sheridan  in  a  general  field  order ;  Captain  Carpenter  was  breveted 
Colonel  and  awarded  a  Medal  of  Honor. 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 


17 


BENJAMIN  H.  GRIERSON 
THE  REGIMENT'S  FIRST  COLONEL 

In  April,  1869,  headquarters  and  troops  moved  to  Camp  Wichita,  in   Indian  Territory. 

Camp  Wichita  was  established  on  the  flat  directly  northeast  of  the  site  selected  for  the 
post,  on  the  bank  of  the  Medicine  Bluff  Creek  near  its  junction  with  Cache  Creek. 

The  only  shelter  they  had  was  the  tentage  which  they  brought  with  them,  much  of  which 
had  been  condemned.  An  old  saw  mill  was  moved  up  from  Fort  Arbuckle,  fatigue  parties 
were  detailed  to  cut  logs  in  the  Wichita  Mountains  west  of  the  camp,  rock  quarries  were 
opened  in  the  vicinity  and  the  erection  of  temporary  shelter  for  men  and  animals  commenced. 
These  were  "jackal"  buildings  with  mud  roofs  and  floors. 

Very  few  of  the  recruits  assigned  to  the  regiment  could  read  or  write,  many  of  them 
being  plantation  hands  from  the  South.  Seldom  could  one  be  found  capable  of  clerical 


18  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

duty,  so  that  the  officers  were  obliged  to  do  most  of  their  paper  work.  Quite  a  number  of 
the  recruits  had  served  in  the  colored  regiments  during  the  Civil  War,  and  these  furnished 
the  non-commissioned  officers.  On  the  whole  the  men  were  obedient,  amenable  to  dis- 
cipline and  anxious  to  learn,  besides  being  proud  of  their  uniform. 

Even  the  band  was  organized,  not  from  musicians,  but  by  selecting  men  who  could  read 
and  write  and  teaching  them  music.  General  Grierson,  who  was  himself  an  accomplished 
musician,  gave  them  his  personal  attention  and  soon  succeeded  in  having  a  competent  leader 
enlisted  and  assigned  to  the  regiment. 

With  this  handicap  in  the  way  of  skilled  men,  the  erection  of  the  permanent  post  was 
commenced,  principally  with  the  labor  of  the  troops.  The  government  was  very  penurious 
in  the  matter  of  furnishing  skilled  labor  and  material.  Very  few  skilled  mechanics  were 
allowed  and  these  only  for  superintendents  and  overseers.  The  soldiers  ran  the  saw  mill, 
quarried  rock,  burned  lime  and  dressed  and  laid  the  stone  in  the  walls.  In  this  way  a  post 
for  ten  troops  of  cavalry,  officers'  quarters,  barracks,  stables  and  storehouses  were  built. 

In  the  summer  of  1872,  General  Sherman,  then  in  command  of  the  Army,  made  a  tour 
of  inspection  of  the  posts  in  the  Department  of  Texas.  When  between  Forts  Griffin  anil 
Richardson  they  met  a  contractor's  mule  train  hauling  supplies  to  Fort  Griffin.  Soon  after 
General  Sherman  and  his  party  arrived  at  Fort  Richardson  a  teamster  from  this  train 
arrived  at  the  post  with  information  that  the  train  had  been  captured  by  a  party  of  Indians, 
the  teamsters,  except  this  one,  who  had  escaped,  were  killed,  the  wagons  burned  and  the 
mules  driven  off.  The  General  and  his  party  continued  their  journey  to  Fort  Sill.  The 
day  after  their  arrival,  being  ration  day,  the  Kiowas  and  Comanches  in  large  numbers, 
probably  seven  or  eight  thousand,  men,  women  and  children,  came  into  the  agency,  which 
was  on  the  military  reservation  about  half  a  mile  from  the  post.  "Satanta,"  a  chief  of  the- 
Kiowas,  openly  boasted  that  he  was  the  leader  of  the  band  which  had  captured  the  train. 
The  Indian  agent  sent  a  note  to  the  post  commander  requesting  that  he  be  arrested,  also 
"Satank,"  another  influential  chief,  and  a  young  Indian  named  "Big  Tree."  In  the  mean- 
time, Satanta  and  Satank  came  into  the  post  to  see  the  "Big  Chief,"  who,  they  learned,  was 
at  the  commanding  officer's  house. 

The  troops  had  orders  to  "saddle  up"  and  remain  in  the  stables  where  they  could  not 
be  seen.  While  the  conversation  between  General  Sherman  and  the  two  chiefs  was  being 
conducted  on  the  commanding  officer's  portico,  "Big  Tree"  rode  by  on  his  way  to  the 
trader's  store.  The  adjutant  was  directed  to  take  a  detachment  and  arrest  him.  He  was 
found  in  the  rear  of  the  store,  and  upon  seeing  the  guard  pulled  his  blanket  about  his  head 
and  jumped  through  a  window,  carrying  sash  and  glass  with  him,  vaulted  over  a  high 
stockade  fence  and  ran  like  a  deer  through  the  troop  gardens  toward  a  thicket.  The  guard 
fired  several  shots  at  him,  and  the  adjutant  (Lt.  Woodward)  mounted,  pursued  and  caught 
him  just  as  he  was  about  to  enter  the  thicket,  bound  him  with  a  lariat  and  took  him  to 
the  commanding  officer's  quarters.  In  anticipation  of  the  final  decision  to  confine  Satanta 
and  Satank,  a  dismounted  detachment  had  been  secretly  sent,  one  by  one,  to  enter  the  com- 
manding officer's  house  by  the  rear  and  was  concealed  in  a  front  room  ready  for  an 
emergency.  When  the  general  indicated  that  he  wished  them  arrested,  the  guard  filed  out 
and  surrounded  the  porch.  At  this  juncture,  Lone  Wolf,  a  vicious  and  desperate  Kiowa 
chief,  rode  up,  dismounted  and  came  on  the  porch,  smiling  and  ejaculating  the  familiar 
Indian  greeting,  "How,  How,"  threw  aside  his  blanket  and  disclosed  two  loaded  carbines, 
one  of  which  he  passed  to  another  Indian.  With  an  almost  superhuman  effort,  General 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  19 

Grierson  sprang  upon  the  two  Indians,  seized  the  muzzles  of  the  carbines,  and  sat  both 
Indians  squat  upon  the  porch  floor.  The  guard  levelled  their  carbines,  but  General  Grierson's 
action  prevented  what,  for  a  moment,  threatened  a  serious  tragedy. 

Indians  were  passing  through  the  post  and  exhibited  much  excitement.  As  a  precau- 
tion, a  small  detaching  of  mounted  troops  was  placed  at  each  of  the  four  corners  of  the 
parade.  Some  Indians  riding  into  the  post  from  the  southeast,  perceiving  the  commotion 
on  the  porch,  fired  upon  one  detachment,  wounding  a  horse,  and  fled.  This  detachment 
pursued  and  fired  upon  them  and  killed  one,  his  companion  closing  in  on  him  and  carrying 
him  off  mounted.  The  firing  was  heard  by  the  Indians  at  the  agency  and  a  wild  stampede 
occurred. 

Satanta,  Satank  and  Big  Tree  were  confined  in  the  guard  house  and  a  short  time 
afterwards  were  turned  over  to  General  MacKenzie,  colonel  of  the  Fourth  Cavalry  who 
came  through  the  post  with  a  detachment  of  his  regiment,  with  orders  to  turn  them  over 
to  the  civil  authorities  of  Texas  to  be  tried  for  murder.  As  the  three  Indians  were  brought 
from  the  guard  house  to  be  put  in  a  wagon,  Satank  started  a  wierd  chant,  which  we  after- 
wards learned  was  his  "death  song."  No  one  understood  him  except  the  other  two  Indians, 
who,  fearing  the  consequences  of  an  outbreak  by  him,  caught  him  and  put  him  forcibly 
into  a  wagon,  taking  the  precaution  to  get  in  another  wagon  themselves.  In  the  wagon 
with  Satank  was  a  soldier  of  the  Fourth  Cavalry  who  was  unable  to  ride  his  horse.  A  short 
distance  from  the  post,  Satank,  who  had  concealed  a  knife  about  his  person,  attacked  and 
stabbed  the  soldier  and  seized  his  carbine,  which  was  loaded.  The  soldier  rolled  out  of 
the  wagon,  and  the  Indian  attempted  to  fire  on  the  guard  which  surrounded  the  wagon,  but 
a  shot  broke  his  wrist  and  others  soon  ended  his  earthly  career. 

During  the  seven  years  the  regiment  was  at  Fort  Sill,  besides  watching  and  controlling 
the  Indians,  it  was  largely  engaged  in  suppressing  horse  and  cattle  thieves,  and  whiskey 
peddlers. 

After  establishing  and  building  a  post  there,  this  camp  was  named  Fort  Sill.  Life  at 
Sill  was  not  a  picnic.  More  than  once  the  garrison  stood  to  arms  in  apprehension  of  an 
attack.  Scouting  parties  were  continually  in  the  field  running  down  marauders,  desperadoes, 
outlaws,  hostiles  on  the  war  path,  and  many  times  only  a  demonstration  in  force  succeeded 
in  keeping  the  Red  Men  within  their  bounds. 

An  example  of  the  manifold  duties  falling  to  the  troops  during  this  period,  is  the  entry 
in  the  regimental  return :  "Company  D — February  25th.  Left  Fort  Arbuckle  for  Cotton- 
wood  Grove  to  assist  Indian  agent  in  reclaiming  white  children  held  captives  by  Indians." 

On  the  llth  of  June,  1871,  Camp  Supply  was  charged  by  a  horde  of  Comanches,  who 
endeavored  to  pursue  their  favorite  tactics  of  stampeding  the  horses  and  stock.  The  Indians 
were  promptly  driven  off  and  pursued  by  Companies  A,  F,  H,  I,  K,  and  three  companies 
of  the  Third  Infantry.  In  the  ficht  that  ensued  three  soldiers  were  wounded  and  several 
horses  killed.  The  Indians  lost  six  killed  and  ten  wounded. 

It  was  about  this  time  that  the  colored  troopers  became  known  among  the  Indians  as 
the  "Buffalo  Soldiers."  Years  later,  when  a  design  for  the  regimental  coat  of  arms  was 
being  prepared,  the  buffalo  was  adopted  as  a  crest.  The  Indians  of  that  day  learned  a 
wholesome  respect  for  the  tireless  troopers  who,  once  on  the  trail,  could  not  be  shaken  off. 

Among  the  stations  garrisoned  by  the  regiment  in  this  period  were  Forts  Dodge,  Gibson 
and  Arbuckle;  Camp  Supply  and  the  Cheyenne  agency,  in  the  Indian  Territory. 

A  pitched  battle  was  staged  in  August,  1874,  between  the  hostiles  and  the  defenders 
of  the  Wichita  agency.  The  Kiowas  and  Naconees  strongly  resented  the  establishment  of 


20  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

the  post,  and  had  planned  a  coup  to  wipe  out  the  settlers,  soldiers  and  every  building.  The 
hostiles  numbered  some  five  hundred.  Companied  C,  E,  H  and  L  of  the  Tenth  Cavalry  com- 
prised the  garrison. 

The  attack  was  launched  from  all  sides  by  the  determined  Red  Men.  The  surrounding 
prairie  was  fired  at  many  points,  with  the  purpose  of  burning  the  defenders  out,  stampeding 
horses,  and  burning  the  buildings.  The  soldiers  had  their  hands  full  fighting  the  fires  and 
repulsing  the  repeated  attacks  by  the  encircling  Indians,  which  were  delivered  with  great 
courage.  Affairs  were  about  to  become  serious,  when  Captain  Carpenter  mounted  his  com- 
pany (H)  and  charged  through  their  center.  This  charge  broke  the  spirit  of  the  attackers, 
who  fell  back  in  confusion,  leaving  on  the  field  a  large  amount  of  booty. 

In  April,  1873,  a  part  of  the  regiment  made  the  acquaintance  of  Texas.  Companies 
E,  I  and  L  were  stationed  at  Fort  Richardson  ;  C  at  Fort  Griffin ;  F  at  Fort  Concho.  Head- 
quarters remained  at  Fort  Sill  until  March,  1875.  The  troops  remaining  in  Indian  Territory 
took  part  in  the  campaign  of  1874-75  against  the  Kiowas  and  Comanches.  In  this  campaign. 
Companies  D  and  M,  with  one  company  of  the  Eleventh  Infantry,  commanded  by  Major 
Schofield,  captured  a  band  of  more  than  300  hostiles  and  1500  ponies  at  Elk  Creek,  Indian 
Territory,  October  25,  1874. 

Among  the  prisoners  were  a  number  of  irreconcilables — "bad  Injuns."  These  were 
closely  confined  at  Fort  Sill  and  later  transferred  to  Fort  Marion  in  far  off  Florida,  for 
restriction.  Captain  Pratt  went  in  charge  of  this  party,  and  never  rejoined  the  regiment. 
He  was  a  fine  officer  and  very  sympathetic  towards  the  Indians.  As  Superintendent  of  the 
Carlisle  Indian  School  he  gained  wide  fame. 

On  the  6th  of  April,  1875,  occurred  the  chase  after  Black  Horse's  band.  He  was  at  the 
Cheyenne  agency  awaiting  transportation  to  Fort  Marion.  Knocking  down  his  guard,  he 
escaped  and  ran  for  the  camp  of  his  tribe  nearby.  He  was  killed  as  he  ran  by  Captain 
Bennett,  Fifth  Infantry.  This  was  the  signal  for  an  exodus.  Practically  the  whole  tribe 
abandoned  camp  that  night  and  took  to  the  hills,  but  not  before  engaging  in  a  brisk 
skirmish  with  Companies  D  and  M,  in  which  one  soldier  was  killed  and  twelve  wounded. 
The  Indians  lost  eight  killed.  Tenth  Cavalry  marksmanship  was  improving  with  practice. 
After  a  ten  day  chase  most  of  the  Indians  returned  to  the  agency. 

Headquarters  was  established  at  Fort  Concho,  Texas,  on  April  17,  1875.  The  May 
return  shows  the  troops  stationed  as  follows : 

Companies  A,  D,  F,  G,  I  and  L  at  Fort  Concho. 
Companies  B  and  E  at  Fort  Griffin. 
Companies  C  and  K  at  Fort  McKavett. 
Company  H  at  Fort  Davis. 
Company  M  at  Fort  Stockton. 

In  the  next  seven  years  that  headquarters  remained  at  Fort  Concho,  the  troops  were 
scattered  all  over  west  Texas,  as  occasion  demanded,  and  added  to  their  reputation  as 
Indian  fighters  when  they  met  the  Apaches.  Their  work  was  a  long  succession  of  hikes 
and  pursuits,  with  now  and  then  a  consoling  skirmish  with  Indians  or  desperadoes.  Their 
trails  led  them  far  into  Mexico;  into  and  over  the  grim  fastness  of  the  Guadalupe  Moun- 
tains; across  the  deserts  of  the  Staked  Plains,  the  Bad  Lands  of  the  Rio  Grande  and  the 
Big  Bend. 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  21 

Regard  a  few  bald  entries  in  the  regimental  returns  of  1876  and  1877,  picked  at  random : 

1876 
"Co.  C— Fort  McKavett,  Texas. 

The  company  returned  from  scout  duty   in  field  against  hostiles   after  absence 
of  six  months  and  seven  days." 
"Co.  G— Fort  Griffin,  Texas. 

Corporal  John  Robinson  and  four  men  pursued  Mexican  horse  thieves,  returned 
November  28,  1876;  captured  10  Mexicans,  15  horses.  Distance  marched  770 
miles." 

1877 
"Co.  A— 

Private  Dcrwin  died  July  30th  from  want  of  water.     Private  Gordon  died  July 
31st,   being   without   water    for   86  hours.     Privates    Bond   and   Isaacs   missing 
since  July  30th  on  account  of  straggling." 
''Headquarters — 

"1st  Lt.  R.  G.  Smither,  Adjutant,  with  effective  force  of  band,  (16  men)  started 
on  scout  August  3rd  to  Bull  Creek,  Texas,  distance  of  140  miles,  in  41  hours, 
for  relief  of  Captain  Nolan's  command  which  was  reported  in  suffering  con- 
dition on  Staked  Plains.  Men  and  horses  dying  from  lack  of  water.  Re- 
turned to  Fort  Concho  August  14th." 
"Co.  F — Camp  on  the  Rio  Grande,  Texas. 

Since  last  report  the  company  has  been  engaged  in  scouting  after  hostile   In- 
dians.    Distance  marched  1500  miles." 
"Co.  G— May  4th,  Fort  Griffin,  Texas. 

Captain    Lee,    Lieut.    Jones,   and   42   men,    left   post   April   9,    1877,    in   pursuit 
hostile  Indians.     Surprised  Comanche  village  at  Lake  Quemado,  Texas,  killed 
four  Indians,  captured  six  squaws,  and  69  horses.     1st  Sergeant  Charles  Baker 
killed  in  action.     Distance  marched  750  miles." 
"Co.  I — Fort  Richardson,  Texas. 

2d  Lieutenant  Jewett  and  24  enlisted  men  returned  from  a  scout  on  the  Staked 
Plains.  One  public  horse,  Captain  Baldwin  responsible,  died  on  Staked  Plains 
October  25th.  Distance  marched  1360  miles." 

Those  were  the  days  that  tried  men's  souls,  and  welded  the  organizations  into  bands  of 
true  and  tried  veterans.  Captain  Bourke,.  of  the  Third  Cavalry,  has  written  of  those  days : 
"To  march  into  battle  with  banners  flying,  drums  beating,  and  the  pulse  throbbing  high 
with  the  piomptings  of  honorable  ambition  and  enthusiasm,  in  unison  with  the  roar  of 
artillery,  does  not  call  for  half  the  nerve  and  determination  that  must  be  daily  exercised 
to  pursue,  mile  after  mile,  in  such  terrible  weather,  over  rugged  mountains  and  through 
unknown  canons,  a  foe  whose  habits  of  warfare  are  repugnant  to  every  principle  of 
humanity,  and  whose  presence  can  be  determined  solely  by  the  flash  of  the  rifle  which  lays 
some  poor  sentry  low,  or  the  whoop  and  yell  which  stampeded  our  stock  from  the  grazing 
grounds.  The  life  of  a  soldier,  in  time  of  war,  has  scarcely  a  compensating  feature ;  but 
he  ordinarily  expects  palatable  food  whenever  obtainable,  and  good,  warm  quarters  during 
the  winter  season.  In  campaigning  against  the  Indians,  if  anxious  to  gain  success,  he 
must  lay  aside  every  idea  of  good  food  and  comfortable  lodgings,  and  make  up  his  mind 
to  undergo  with  cheerfulness  privations  from  which  other  soldiers  would  shrink  back  dis- 
mayed. His  sole  object  should  be  to  strike  the  enemy  and  to  strike  him  hard,  and  this 
accomplished  should  be  full  compensation  for  all  privations  undergone.  With  all  its  dis- 
advantages this  system  of  Indian  warfare  is  a  grand  school  for  the  cavalrymen  of  the 


22  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

future,  teaching  them  fortitude,  vigilance,  self-reliance,  and  dexterity,  besides  that  instruction 
in  handling,  marching,  feeding,  and  righting  troops  which  no  school  can  impart  in  text- 
books." 

The  frontier  was  an  imaginary  line  when  pursuing  marauders.  A  picked  detachment 
of  Company  B,  under  Lieut.  Evans,  and  two  Seminole  scouts,  surprised  a  camp  of  the  Lipans 
and  Kickapoos  near  Saragossa,  Mexico,  on  July  30,  1876,  after  a  forced  nrirch  of  110  miles 
in  twenty-five  hours.  Ten  Indians  were  killed,  93  captured,  with  the  loss  cf  one  horse. 
Twenty- three  lodges  were  destroyed.  Captain  Lebo  also  led  Companies  B,  E  and  K  into 
the  Pinto  Mountains  of  Mexico  and  destroyed  a  village  on  August  12,  1876. 

The  Victoria  campaign  of  1880  resulted  in  the  breaking  up  of  that  wily  chieftain's 
band,  teaching  it  such  a  lesson  that  he  never  again  came  north  of  the  Rio  Grande. 

In  July  of  that  year,  Victoria  and  all  his  band  broke  out  from  the  Mescalero  reserva- 
tion in  New  Mexico  and  started  through  Texas  on  a  reign  of  terror,  murder  and  pillage. 

Colonel  Gi  ierson,  on  a  scout  with  only  six  men,  was  attacked  by  this  band  near  Eagle 
Springs,  and  was  barely  rescned  by  a  reinforcement  from  Company  C,  of  Lieut.  Finley  with 
15  men.  Later,  Companies  A  and  C  came  up,  driving  the  Apaches  on  after  a  four-hour 
light.  The  pursuit  was  carried  to  the  Rio  Grande. 

The  bad  reputation  these  Apaches  bore  did  not  feaze  the  troopers  of  the  Tenth  Cavalry. 
A  detachment  from  Company  H,  under  Corporal  Asa  Weaver,  out  on  patrol,  did  not 
hesitate  to  head  off  the  band  in  its  retreat  after  it  had  crossed  the  river  into  Mexico, 
but  joined  in  a  running  fight  of  15  miles.  Near  El  Alamo,  the  horse  of  Private  Tockes 
became  unmanageable,  being  wounded  with  an  arrow.  It  bucked  and  stampeded  into  the 
midst  of  the  Indian  rear  guard.  When  last  seen,  this  brave  man  was  discerned  to  have 
dropped  his  reins,  drawn  his  carbine,  and  was  selling  his  life  dearly.  Months  later  his 
SKeleton  was  found. 

Corporal  Weaver  was  promoted  on  the  spot  to  a  sergeantcy  for  his  gallantry  and 
qualities  of  leadership. 

Colonel  Grierson  personally  led  the  column  that,  by  a  forced  march  of  65  miles,  inter- 
cepted Victoria's  retreat  and  forced  him  to  cross  into  Mexico,  whence  he  never  returned 
to  raid.     He  was  later  killed  by  Mexican  soldiery  near  Lake  Guzman. 
Under  the  "Record  of  Events,"  the  following  are  typical : 
"Co.  K— Sculptured  Tanks,  Guadalupe  Mountains,  N.  M.,  April,  1880. 

Left  Salada  Water  Holes,  Texas,  April  1st,  arrived  at  Black  River  Falls, 
N.  M.  Marched  thence  northward  through  the  Guadalupe  Mountains  by  way  of 
Guadalupe  Creek  to  the  Rio  Panasco  in  the  Sacramento  Mountains,  thence  to 
the  agency  and  took  part  in  the  disarming  and  dismounting  the  Mescalero 
Indians.  April  9th  struck  the  camp  of  a  small  party  of  Mescaleros  at  Shake- 
hand  Springs,  N.  M.  Killed  one  buck,  captured  four  squaws  and  one  child, 
released  from  captivity  a  small  Mexican  boy  (Cayetana  Segura)  aged  11. 
Captured  21  head  of  horses  and  mules,  and  destroyed  their  camp.  Distance 
marched,  417 1/2  miles." 
"Company  A — Near  old  Fort  Quitman,  Texas,  August,  1880. 

Left  Eagle  Springs,  Texas,  August  2nd  and  marched  to  Van  Horn's  Wells. 
August  3rd,  marched  to  Devil's  Race  Course.  August  4th,  marched  to  Rattle 
Snake  Springs ;  6th,  7th  and  8th,  engaged  in  scouting  and  picketing  the  passes 
of  the  Sierra  Diablo.  August  10th,  marched  to  Ash  Springs.  August  llth, 
discovered  and  followed  trail  of  Victoria's  band  of  Apaches  from  8:00  p.  m. 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  23 

until    11 :45   a.   m.    of   the    12th,    when,    after   marching   and   reaching   the    Rio 
Grande,   the   pursuit   ended   by    reason    of    the    enemy   crossing   the    river    into 
Mexico.     Distance  marched  by  company  and  detachments,  748  miles." 
"Company  G — Sulphur  Water  Hole,  Texas,  August,  1880. 

Left  Eagle  Springs,  Texas,  August  3rd,  arriving  at  Van  Horn,  Texas,  the 
same  night ;  August  4th,  5th,  marched  to  Rattle  Snake  Springs,  Texas.  August 
6th,  engaged  with  hostile  Indians  near  Rattlesnake  Springs.  No  casualties. 
August  7th,  marched  to  Sulphur  Water  Hole,  Texas.  August  3rd,  Private 
Julius  London,  one  of  the  party  of  scouts,  was  engaged  and  wounded  in 
action  with  hostile  Apaches  near  Eagle  Springs,  Texas.  Distance  marched 
1256  miles." 
"Company  H — Near  Hot  Springs,  Texas,  August,  1880. 

August  1st,  engaged  in  furnishing  pickets  and  scouts  from  Eagle  Springs, 
Texas.  August  3rd,  Corporal  A.  Weaver,  with  Pvt.  Brent  of  H  Company,  and 
a  small  detail  from  other  companies,  while  on  picket  at  Alamo  Springs,  dis- 
covered Victoria's  band  of  Indians  after  they  had  crossed  the  Rio  Grande 
and  had  an  engagement  and  running  fight  for  15  miles.  August  3rd,  left 
Eagle  Springs  in  pursuit  of  Victoria's  band.  Marched  to  Van  Horn  and  thence 
to  Devil's  Race  Course,  thence  across  to  the  Rattle  Snake  Springs.  August 
6th,  participated  in  an  engagement  with  Victoria's  band  with  Companies  B,  C 
and  G,  under  command  of  Capt.  L.  H.  Carpenter,  the  Indians  being  repulsed 
and  fleeing  to  the  mountains.  Pvt.  Wesley  Hardy  missing  in  action.  Distance 
marched  by  company  and  detachments,  1250  miles." 

On  January  1,  1881,  the  designation  was  changed  from  "Company"  to  "Troop." 
Regimental  headquarters  moved  to  Fort  Davis  in  July,  1882,  and  remained  until  March. 
1885.  In  these  three  years  the  troops  performed  the  same  old  dismal  frontier  service,  with 
few  comforts,  and  no  luxuries.  But  they  were  close  to  being  a  perfect  cavalry  fighting 
machine ;  they  were  lean  and  hard  and  grizzled,  and  loved  a  fight.  This  entry  appears  in 
Troop  M's  records : 

"Jan.,  '84,  Pina-Colorado,  Texas.  Saddler  Ross  mortally  wounded.  Sgt.  Winfield  Scott 
and  Pvt.  Augustus  Dover  slightly  wounded,  while  arresting  a  desperado  on  the  military 
reservation.  The  desperado,  W.  A.  Alexander,  was  killed  while  resisting  arrest." 


CHAPTER  III 

THE  BUFFALO  SOLDIERS  IN  ARIZONA 

N  THE  Spring  of  1885,  the  regiment  moved  westward  into  the  Depart- 
ment of  Arizona,  where  the  Apaches  held  sway.  Geronimo,  the  Kid, 
Mangus,  Cochise,  Alchise,  Aklenni,  Natsin,  Eskiltie  and  other  chieftains 
had  dotted  the  plains  and  canons  of  Arizona  with  the  graves  of  thousands 
of  emigrants,  settlers  and  prospectors.  The  department  was  commanded 
by  that  famous  Indian  fighter  and  administrator,  General  Crook. 

Marching  along  the  Southern  Pacific  Railroad,  the  column  was 
joined  at  Camp  Rice  hy  Troop  1.  For  the  first  time  in  its  history  the  regiment  was  gathered 
together.  The  twelve  troops,  headquarters  and  hand,  continued  together  to  Bowie  Station, 
Arizona,  in  the  Chiricahua  Mountains.  Here  the  troops  again  separated  to  go  to  their 
posts,  as  follows : 

Headquarters  and  Troop  B,  Whipplc  Barracks ;  A,  Fort  Apache ;  C,  F  and  G,  Fort 
Thomas;  D.  E.  H.  K  and  L,  Fort  Grant;  I  and  M,  Fort  Verde.  Lieut.  Colonel  Wade  took 
station  at  Apache;  Major  Mills  at  Thomas;  Major  McClellan  at  Verde,  and  Major  Van 
Vliet  at  Grant.  The  chaplain  held  out  at  Apache. 

The  Geronimo  campaign  was  under  way,  and  immediately  a  squadron  composed  of 
Troops  D,  E,  H  and  K  was  put  in  the  field  under  Major  Van  Vliet.  They  ransacked  every 
trail  in  the  Mogollon  Mountains,  even  as  far  as  Fort  Bayard,  New  Mexico,  but  were  evi- 
dently on  the  wrong  trail.  All  the  troops  of  the  regiment  were  in  the  field  in  this  campaign. 
Several  officers  used  pull  and  had  themselves  detailed  with  the  Indian  scouts,  hoping 
in  that  way  to  get  to  the  front  of  the  front.  Lieut.  Shipp  was  thus  with  Captain  Crawford 
in  his  tragic  expedition  way  down  in  Mexico.  Lieut.  Finley  accompanied  Captain  Lawton. 
Fourth  Cavalry,  when  he  forced  the  surrender  of  Geronimo  and  his  band. 

The  second  Medal  of  Honor  in  the  .regiment  was  won  by  Lieut.  Powhatan  H.  Clarke, 
who  had  accompanied  Captain  Lebo's  troop  (K)  from  Calabasas  into  Mexico.  On  May 
3rd,  1886,  the  troop,  after  a  remarkable  march  of  over  two  hundred  miles,  came  up  with 
Geronimo's  band  in  the  Pinito  Mountains.  The  fighting  was  of  a  most  desperate  character ; 
the  Indians  were  in  their  own  chosen  positions,  in  gorges  and  on  inaccessible  oliffs.  Cor- 
poral Scott  was  wounded  seriously,  and  lying  exposed  to  the  enemy's  fire.  Lieut.  Clarke 
ran,  without  hesitation,  to  his  aid.  picked  him  up  and  carried  him  to  safety  through  a 
hail  of  missiles. 

In  October,  Chief  Mangus  and  his  band  were  run  down  by  Troop  H  in  the  White 
Mountains,  east  of  Fort  Apache,  after  a  running  fight  of  45  miles  over  almost  impassable 
country.  Captain  Cooper  then  had  H  Troop. 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 


25 


LIEUT.  POWHATAX  H.  CLARKE  WINNING  MEDAL  OF  HONOR 
(FROM  PAINTING  PRESENTED  BY  THE  ARTIST,  T.  HOLROYD  LAMBERT) 


26 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 


CAPTAIN  T.  C.  LEBO 


For  most  of  the  troops  there  was  little  glory  in  this  campaign.  Their's  was  the 
harder  duty,  to  prevent  outbreaks,  rath'er  than  chase  the  renegades  back  onto  their  reser- 
vations. Their's  was  the  dismal  duty  to  guard  mountain  passes,  water  holes,  and  trails 
that  did  not  lead  to  glorious  lighting. 

In  1887,  about  half  the  regiment  pursued  the  "Kid,"  one  of  Geronimo's  disciples.  It 
was  a  hard  campaign,  but  unsuccessful.  He  was  never  caught ;  he  may  still  be  running. 
Lieut.  Carter  P.  Johnson  gained  commendation  by  the  skill,  energy  and  endurance  with 
which  his  outfit  pursued  this  outlaw. 

Headquarters  move  to  Fort  Grant  in  July,  1886,  thence  to  Santa  Fe,  New  Mexico,  in 
November  of  the  same  year. 

The  following  order  was  published  to  the  troops  in  Arizona : 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  27 

"HEADQUARTERS  DEPARTMENT  OF  ARIZONA, 

"Willcox,  A.  T.,  October  7,  1886. 
"General  Field  Orders  No.  12 : 

"It  is  gratifying  to  the  Commanding  General  to  announce  to  the  troops  serving  in  this 
Department  the  close  of  the  Indian  campaign,  and  the  establishment  of  permanent  peace 
and  security  against  future  depredations  of  the  hostile  Apaches,  as  the  result  of  the  fortitude 
and  endurance  of  the  troops  in  the  field. 

"You  have  effected  the  subjugation  of  the  hostiles  under  Geronimo  and  Natchez,  and, 
with  the  exception  of  one  small  thieving  party  now  in  Chihuahua,  Mexico,  all  have  been 
removed  to  a  place  of  safe  custody.  At  the  same  time  the  entire  tribe  of  Chiricahua  and 
Warm  Springs  Indians,  whose  presence  has  been  a  menace  to  the  settlements  and  whose 
camps  have  for  years  been  the.  rendezvous,  the  source  of  supplies,  and  the  safe  refuge  of 
the  hostile  element,  have  been  entirely  removed  from  these  territories. 

For  centuries  the  warlike  Apaches  have  been  a  terror  to  this  country.  Neither  Indian 
nor  Spaniard  have  been  able  to  successfully  cope  with  them  in  their  peculiar  methods  of 
savage  warfare,  and  for  years  they  have  retarded  the  progress  of  civilization  and  industry. 
It  was  against  such  an  enemy  a.s  this,  and  in  a  wild,  arid  country,  traversed  by  a  series  of 
rugged  and  almost  impassable  mountain  ranges,  with  great  scarcity  of  water,  that  the 
troops,  already  worn  and  tired,  re-entered  the  field. 

"In  the  early  days  of  April  last,  the  hostiles,  then  in  Sonora,  Mexico,  began  their 
depredations,  and  on  the  27th  of  that  month  invaded  the  territory  of  Arizona.  They  at 
once  met  active  opposition ;  Captain  T.  C.  Lebo,  Tenth  Cavalry,  true  to  his  reputation  as  a 
gallant  and  successful  cavalry  leader,  moving  first  against  them.  He  followed  the  hostiles 
rapidly  for  over  two  hundred  miles,  and  finally,  on  May  3rd,  forced  them  to  an  encounter. 
During  this  spirited  engagement  the  officers  and  men  evinced  great  bravery,  contending 
against  an  enemy  on  ground  of  their  own  choosing,  among  rugged  cliffs  almost  inaccessible. 
During  the  engagement,  Corporal  Scott,  a  brave  soldier,  lay  disabled  with  a  serious  wound, 
exposed  to  the  enemy's  fire,  and  Lieut.  P.  H.  Clarke,  Tenth  Cavalry,  rushed  to  his  assist- 
ance, carrying  him  to  a  place  of  safety.  Such  acts  of  heroism  are  worthy  of  great  praise. 
After  the  engagement  the  hostiles  continued  their  flight,  and  for  nearly  a  fortnight  the 
troops,  under  Lieut.  Benson,  Captains  Lebo  and  Lawton,  continued  the  pursuit  without 
cessation.  *  *  * 

"*  *  *  Subsequently  the  trail  of  the  hostiles  was  taken  up  by  several  other  detach- 
ments acting  in  concert,  each  commanded  by  energetic  and  capable  officers,  until  Captain 
J.  T.  Morrison,  Tenth  Cavalry,  near  Fort  Apache,  captured  all  their  horses.and  they  took 
flight  on  foot  south  and  were  driven  across  the  Mexican  boundary.  The  other  band,  mean- 
while, had  been  pursued  by  other  commands  through  the  Santa  Rita,  Whetstone,  Santa 
Catalina  and  Rincon  Mountains,  and  on  the  evening  of  June  Sth,  when  in  the  Patagonia 
Mountains,  were  surrounded  and  much  of  their  stock  and  equipment  captured  by  Lieut. 
R.  D.  Wash,  Fourth  Cavalry. 

The  march  of  Lebo's  troop,  20  miles  in  two  hours ;  Benson's  ride  of  90  miles 
in  19  hours,  and  Dr.  Wood's*  skill  and  remarkable  marches  with  a  detachment  of  infantry, 
are  worthy  of  mention. 

Now  that  all  his  been  accomplished,  the  troops  in  this  Department  will  duly 
appreciate  the  feeling  of  relief  as  expressed  by  the  people  of  Sonora,  Mexico,  through  their 
governor,  Louis  E.  Torres,  the  resolution  of  thanks  for  your  heroic  services  offered  by  all 
parties  in  every  section  of  Arizona  and  New  Mexico ;  the  approval  of  General  Sheridan 
and  Secretary  Endicott,  all  of  which  are  most  gratifying,  but  you  will  regard  higher  than 
all  praise,  the  deep  and  lasting  gratitude  which  comes  from  the  thousands  of  homes 
scattered  over  this  vast  area  to  which  you  have  given  security  and  happiness. 

"By  command  of  Brigadier  General  Miles  : 

"WM.  A.  THOMPSON, 

"Captain  Fourth  Cavalry,  A.  A.  A.  G. 
"OFFICIAL  : 

"G.  B.  RUSSELL, 

"Acting  Assistant  Adjutant  General." 


*Now  Major  General  Leonard  Wood. —  (Editor). 


28  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

The  regiment  was  now  to  lose  its  colonel,  who  relieved  General  Nelson  A.  Miles  in 
command  of  the  Department  of  Arizona.  His  last  official  act  was  a  farewell  to  the  regiment : 

"HEADQUARTERS  TENTH  CAVALRY, 

"Santa  Fe,  New  Mexico,  December  1st,  1888. 
"Orders  No.  51 : 

"In  pursuance  of  General  Orders  No.  97, '  current  series,  Headquarters  of  the  Army, 
announcing  his  assignment  to  the  command  of  the  Department  of  Arizona,  the  undersigned 
relinquishes  command  of  the  Tenth  U.  S.  Cavalry. 

"in  doing  so  he  desires  to  express  his  deep  regret  at  being  thus  separated  l.o..,  i»^ 
regiment  he  organized  and  has  so  long  commanded,  but  he  is  gratified  to  be  able,  at  this 
time,  to  refer,  even  briefly,  to  its  splendid  record  of  nearly  twenty-two  years  service  to  the 
Government,  while  under  his  command;  rendered,  as  it  has  been,  in  the  field  and  at  the 
most  isolated  posts  on  the  frontier  ;  always  in  the  vanguard  of  civilization  and  in  contact 
with  the  most  warlike  and  savage  Indians  of  the  plains. 

"The  officers  and  enlisted  men  have  cheerfully  endured  many  hardships  and  privations, 
arid  in  the  midst  of  great  dangers  steadfastly  maintained  a  most  gallant  and  zealous  devo- 
tion to  duty,  and  they  may  well  be  proud  of  the  record  made,  and  rest  assured  that  the 
hard  work  undergone  in  the  accomplishment  of  such  important  and  valuable  service  to 
their  country,  is  well  understood  and  appreciated,  and  that  it  cannot  fail,  sooner  or  later, 
to  meet  with  due  recognition  and  reward. 

"That  the  high  standard  of  excellence  gained  by  the  regiment  for  discipline  and 
efficiency  in  the  past  will  be  fully  sustained  in  the  future ;  that  the  most  signal  success  will 
ever  attend  the  officers  and  soldiers  of  the  Tenth  Cavalry  in  all  their  noble  efforts  and 
undertakings,  official  or  otherwise,  is  the  heartfelt  wish  of  their  old  commander. 

(Signed)  "BENJAMIN  H.  GRIERSON, 
"Colonel  Tenth  U.  S.  Cavalry,  Brevet  Major-General." 

Colonel  Grierson  was  promoted  to  Brigadier  in  April,  1890,  and  retired  July  8,  in  the 
same  year,  dearly  beloved  by  every  man  in  the  regiment. 

Colonel  J.  K.  Mizner  was  next  assigned  to  command,  and  joined  in  August,  1890,  at 
Fort  Apache.  Lieut.  Colonel  George  C.  Hunt  was  commanding  in  the  meanwhile.  The 
field  and  staff  then  comprised  in  addition:  Majors  C.  B.  McClellan,  Van  Vliet  and  Norveil; 
1st  Lieut.  T.  W.  Jones,  Adjutant;  1st  Lieut.  L.  Finley,  Quartermaster;  F.  H.  Weaver, 
Chaplain. 

The  Indians  were  by  now  fairly  well  settled  down  to  farming  en  their  reservations, 
and  except  for  sporadic  outbreaks  by  a  few  of  the  worst,  there  was  little  field  service. 
Lieut.  Clarke,  with  a  detachment  of  picked  men  and  scouts,  had  a  roving  commission  to 
run  down  the  few  hostiles  still  "out,"  and  did  excellent  work. 

In  1891  there  were  two  expeditions  sent  into  the  Moki  country.  General  Corbin  accom- 
panied the  latter  expedition  of  Troops  B  and  E. 

Colonel  Mizner  wrote  to  the  Adjutant  General  in  August,  1891,  drawing  attention  to  the 
fact  that  for  twenty  consecutive  years  the  Tenth  Cavalry  had  served  south  of  the  36th 
latitude,  in  the  most  undesirable  stations  known  to  any  branch  of  the  service,  and  with 
fewer  accommodations  as  to  quarters  or  barracks,  and  requested  a  gradual  change  to  a 
northern  climate,  preferably  not  further  than  Kansas.  With  characteristic  kindness,  orders 
came  to  move  at  once  to  Montana,  detraining  there  in  midwinter,  in  a  blizzard.  The  regi- 
ment left  Arizona  in  the  southern  spring. 

Relieving  the  First  Cavalry,  the  Tenth  Cavalry  took  over  their  horses,  troop  for  troop. 
Troop  A  of  the  First  was  in  Virginia,  so  to  mount  our  own  A  troop,  Montana  horses 
were  secured,  brand  new  to  military  service.  The  regiment  took  stations  in  the  Depart- 
ment of  Dakota  as  follows : 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 


29 


COLONEL  J.  K.  MIZNER 

Headquarters  and  Band,  Fort  Custer,  Montana. 

Troop  A,  Fort  Custer,  Montana. 

Troop  B,  Fort  Custer,  Montana. 

Troop  C,  Fort  Assinniboine,  Montana. 

Troop  D,  Fort  Keogh,  Montana. 

Troop  E,  Fort  Custer,  Montana. 

Troop  F,  Fort  Assinniboine,  Montana. 

Troop  G,  Fort  Custer,  Montana. 

Troop  H,  Fort  Buford,  North  Dakota. 

Troop  I,  Fort  Leavenworth,  Kansas. 

Troop  K,  Fort  Custer,  Montana. 

Troops  L  and  M,  which  were  skeletonized,  were  considered  at  headquarters. 
Life  in  Montana  and  North  Dakota  was  a  great  relaxation  for  our  veterans  after  their 
strenuous  work  in  Arizona.  They  enjoyed  the  hunting  and  change  of  scenery  and  became 
acquainted  with  the  country,  making  long  practice  marches,  sometimes  in  the  dead  of 
winter,  through  blizzards.  Forts  Keogh  and  Buford  earned  the  reputation  of  being  the 
coldest  stations  in  the  country. 

The  regiment  lost  Lieut.  Clarke,  who  was  drowned  in  the  Little  Big  Horn   River  on 
July  21,    1893.     His   death   was   keenly   felt    by    his    comrades.      In    February,    1894,    Lieut. 


30  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

Finley  was  injured  at  drill  when  his  horse  fell  and  crushed  his  leg.  He  failed  to  recover 
from  the  amputation ;  thus  in  less  than  a  year  two  well  loved  officers  came  to  an  untimely  end. 

Troops  B,  E,  G  and  K  had  some  relaxation  when  they  were  called  out  in  April,  1894, 
to  suppress  a  part  of  "Coxey's  Commonwealers."  These  had  held  up  a  Northern  Pacific 
train  and  were  generally  obnoxious.  Parts  of  the  regiment  were  called  out  this  summer 
on  strike  duty  to  protect  the  railroad  from  strikers. 

Headquarters  moved  to  Fort  Assinniboine  November  20,  1894. 

Troop  I  mourned  the  loss  of  First  Sergeant  James  Brown,  who  was  frozen  to  death 
in  a  blizzard  February  5,  1895.  One  of  the  best  types  of  old  soldier,  his  death  was  grieved 
throughout  the  regiment. 

In  the  summer  of  1896  the  whole  regiment  was  in  the  field  rounding  up  Cree  Indians, 
who  were  still  off  their  reservations  in  Canada,  and  had  been  stealing  and  committing 
minor  depredations  since  1877.  Great  bands  of  Indians  were  gathered  in  and  turned  over  to 
the  Canadians  at  the  border.  Lieut.  Pershing,  commanding  Troop  D,  was  out  all  summer, 
marching  over  600  miles. 

Colonel  Mizner  was  promoted  to  be  Brigadier  General  in  June,  1897.  His  farewell  to 
the  regiment  is  expressed  in  the  following : 

"HEADQUARTERS  TENTH  U.  S.  CAVALRY, 

"Fort  Assiniboine,  Montana,  June  7th,  1897. 
"General  Orders  No.  1  : 

"The  President  having  been  pleased  to  advance  the  undersigned  to  the  grade  of 
Brigadier  General,  he  hereby  relinquishes  command  of  the  Tenth  Cavalry  and  of  the  post 
of  Fort  Assinniboine,  Montana. 

"In  severing  his  connection  with  the  Tenth  U.  S.  Cavalry,  of  which  he  has  been  Colonel 
for  more  than  seven  years,  it  affords  him  unbounded  pleasure  to  commend  both  officers  and 
men  for  their  loyalty  to  their  country  and  for  their  devotion  to  every  duty,  however  trying 
and  arduous. 

"For  efficiency  and  discipline  and  valuable  service  the  regiment  has  a  history  of  which 
it  may  j'ustly  be  proud. 

"With  a  sense  of  deep  obligation  to  the  officers  for  their  zealous  support  and  generous 
courtesies  and  high  appreciation  of  the  excellent  soldierly  conduct  and  good  behavior  of 
the  men,  he  wishes  for  each  a  prosperous  and  happv  future  and  bids  them  all  farewell. 

(Signed)  J.  K.  MIZNER. 
"Brigadier  General,  U.  S.  Army." 

Lieut.  Colonel  Baldwin  commanded  until  the  arrival  of  Colonel  Guy  V.  Henry  on 
October  29,  1S97. 

During  this  summer.  Troops  A,  E  and  K  were  called  out  under  Major  Nor  veil  to 
arrest  several  "bad  Injuns"  near  the  Tongue  River  Agency.  Trouble  was  anticipated  in 
arresting  the  buc^s,  "Whirlwind,"  "Shoulder  Blade,"  "Yellow  Hair,"  and  "Sam  Crow/'  on 
account,  of  the  attitude  of  the  rest  of  ihe  Cheyenne  tribe.  However,  owing  to  the  skill  and 
diplomacy  of  Major  Norvell  and  Captain  Read,  and  not  a  little  to  the  respect  of  the 
Cheyennes  for  their  old  friends  the  "Buffalo  Soldiers,"  the  arrests  were  made  without 
untoward  incident,  and  the  troops  were  recalled. 

The  War  Department  saw  fit  to  order  the  abandonment  of  Fort  Custer  this  winter 
(1897)  and  the  garrison  moved  to  other  posts.  The  change  was  made  in  December,  with 
the  thermometer  flirting  around  the  40°  mark  below  zero. 

January  1st,  1898,  found  the  regiment  assembled  at  Fort  Assinniboine,  less  Troops  A, 
B  and  E,  at  Fort  Keogh,  Montana. 


CHAPTER  IV. 

CUBA  AND  THE  PHILIPPINES 
1898-1902 

HE  destruction  of  the  Maine  in  Havana  Harbor  raised  the  excitement  in 
the  regiment  to  fever  pitch.  The  big  chance  to  show  its  real  mettle  had 
come,  and  every  man  was  ready  and  eager  for  the  test  of  battle,  and  for 
the  opportunity  to  fight  shoulder  to  shoulder  alongside  the  white  regi- 
ments. Every  officer  felt  confident  of  his  men,  and  anxious  to  put  them 
in  the  "Big  Show." 

Orders  to  concentrate  at  Chickamauga  Park,  Georgia,  were  received 
in  the  middle  of  April.  On  April  25th,  the  regiment  was  camped  in  Dyer's  Field,  near  the 
position  made  famous  by  General  Thomas'  stand  at  the  Battle  Above  the  Clouds,  where  he 
earned  the  appellation  of  the  "Rock  of  Chickamauga." 

Busy  days  followed,  drills  and  more  drills.  The  skeleton  .Troops  L  and  M  were  reor- 
ganized by  drafts  from  the  other  troops.  Great  was  the  day  when  Colonel  Henry  assembled 
the  officers  after  a  final  review  and  said  "They'll  do."  Colonel  Henry  became  a  Brigadier 
General  of  Volunteers  and  was  fated  never  to  rejoin  the  regiment.  Lieut.  Colonel  T.  A. 
Baldwin  assumed  command. 

Marching  on  May  14th  to  Rossville,  the  regiment  entrained  there  for  Tampa,  but  was 
diverted  to  Lakeland,  arriving  there  the  16th. 

On  June  7th,  two  squadrons  left  for  Tampa :  Major  Norvell  with  Troops  A,  B,  E  and  I ; 
Major  Wint  with  Troops  C,  D,  F  and  G.  It  was  a  trial  to  have  to  bid  the  hoises  goodbye, 
but  cavalrymen  have  to  show  that  they  can  fight  as  infantry  also,  and  as  well  as.  The 
feelings  of  the  other  troops  at  having  to  stay  at  Lakeland  in  charge  of  baggage  and  horses 
can  be  well  imagined. 


32 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 


COLONEL  GUY  V.  HENRY 

The  troops  embarked  on  tlie  S.  S.  "Leona"  with  the  First  Cavalry,  with  the  exception 
of  Troops  C  and  F  which  sailed  on  the  "Alamo."  For  seven  days  the  steamers  floated  at 
Tampa ;  travel  rations  only  were  furnished. 

Joy  came  to  the  old  soldiers  of  Troop  M,  when  Lieut.  C.  P.  Johnson  was  given  a 
detachment  from  it  and  from  the  other  oufits  at  Lakeland;  they  were  to  perform  a  "special 
mission"  in  Cuba.  Better,  they  were  mounted  With  them  went  General  Munez  and  staff, 
375  assorted  Cubans,  and  a  great  quantity  of  arms  and  munitions  for  General  Gomez.  They 
sailed  on  the  Florida,  convoyed  by  the  Peoria,  on  June  21st. 

A  landing  was  attempted  near  Tunas,  but  the  Florida  ran  aground ;  Spanish  troops 
rapidly  assembled  and  poured  a  hot  fire  on  the  two  ships.  The  little  gunboat  Peoria  was 
quite  insufficient.  Fortunately  the  larger  gunboat  Helena  came  along,  towed  the  Florida 
off  the  sandbar,  and  gave  the  Spaniards  a  few  whiffs  of  shrapnel.  The  landing  was 
effected  at  Palo  Alto,  and  made  a  junction  with  General  Gomez  July  3rd.  The  records  cast 
little  light  on  the  doings  of  this  detachment,  but  they  "cooperated"  with  the  Cubans,  with- 
out casualties,  and  the  M  troopers  rejoined  the  regiment  at  Montauk  in  September. 

To  go  back  to  our  two  squadrons : 

Disembarkation  was  effected  at  Daiquiri  on  June  22nd  by  Major  Norvell's  squadron, 
and  on  the  23rd  by  Major  Wint's.  The  first  deaths  of  the  campaign  resulted  from  the  over- 
turning of  a  boat.  Corporal  Edward  T.  Cobb  and  Private  George  English,  of  B  Troop,  were 
unable  to  swim,  and  were  drowned. 

Always  in  the  van,  Major  Norvell's  squadron  was  part  of  the  first  column  towards 
Siboney,  which  comprised  in  addition  one  squadron  of  the  First  Cavalry,  and  two  squad- 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  33 

rons  of  the  Rough  Riders.    Captain  Watson,  Tenth  Cavalry,  commanded  the  four  Hotchkiss 
guns  that  went  along  with  this  column. 

The  next  day  (24th)  this  force  was  ordered  by  General  Wheeler  to  take  the  heights 
of  Las  Guasimas,  strongly  held  by  the  Spaniards.  Contact  was  made  at  7 :30  a.  m.,  when 
volleys  were  fired  from  the  heights.  The  Rough  Riders  were  on  the  left  flank  of  the 
advance.  Deployment  was  difficult  owing  to  the  high  jungle-like  grass  and  vegetation. 
There  was  difficulty  in  maintaining  any  kind  of  skirmish  line.  The  men  needed  no  leading, 
however.  They  could  tell  where  the  Spaniards  were  from  the  direction  of  the  firing,  and 
they  crawled  in  that  direction  individually.  The  defenders  had  a  great  advantage  through 
the  use  of  smokeless  powder  and  their  naturally  strong  position  was  strengthened  by  a  rock 
wall  erected  on  the  crest. 

The  First  and  Tenth  moved  up  the  hill  side  by  side,  while  the  Routh  Riders  attacked 
the  right  flank.  With  a  rush  the  top  was  gained  and  only  dead  and  dying  Spaniards  were 
seen.  The  rest  had  "fled  precipitately  towards  Santiago."  Corporal  George  Smith  of 
I  Troop,  now  Master  Sergeant  of  the  regiment,  was  the  first  man  on  the  crest,  and  followed 
immediately  by  Farrier  Sherman  Harris,  same  troop. 

Major  Norvell's  squadron,  220  strong,  lost  in  this  engagement  one  corporal  killed  and 
seven  men  wounded.  (See  reports  of  Major  Norvcl  and  those  of  troop  commanders,  in 
Appendix  l'B").  Lieut.  Vidmer,  Corporal  Johnson,  Privates  Neal,  Nelson,  Wally,  White, 
Jones,  Farrier  Harris  and  Wagoner  Boland  won  commendations  for  conspicuous  bravery 
in  this  action. 

Victory  perched  on  the  colors  of  the  Tenth  in  its  first  real  modern  battle. 
Comparative  strength  of  forces  engaged  : 

American,  964.  Spanish,  1500. 

The  rest  of  the  brigade  came  up  too  late  for  participation  in  this  engagement.  Camp 
was  made  on  the  battlefield  until  the  26th,  when  the  troops  moved  to  Seville,  in  the  direc- 
tion of  Santiago.  On  the  30th  of  June  the  brigade  arrived  at  El  Poso,  just  outside  of  the 
fortifications  of  Santiago. 

Between  El  Poso  and  Santiago  lay  the  San  Juan  range  of  hills  elevated  about  one 
hundred  and  twenty-five  feet,  with  the  San  Juan  River  at  its  eastern  base,  flowing  southward. 
The  summit  of  Little  San  Juan  Hill,  or  Kettle  Hill,  is  about  one-half  mile  from  the  highest 
point  of  San  Juan  Hill,  and  separated  from  it  by  an  oval  lake  about  three  hundred  yards 
long.  The  approach  to  the  San  Juan  River  from  El  Poso  wras  through  the  densest  varieties 
of  vegetation,  cactus  and  prickly  grass.  The  slopes  of  the  hills  were  quite  barren  all  the 
way  to  the  river. 

The  advance  against  Santiago  started  early  on  the  morning  of  July  1st  Grimes's  bat- 
tery opened  the  ball  by  a  bombardment  of  the  enemy's  entrenchments  and  block-houses.  Law- 
ton's  brigade  was  attacking  from  the  direction  of  El  Caney,  and  the  Second  Cavalry  brigade 
was  to  attack  in  conjunction,  linking  up  with  its  left.  While  waiting  orders  to  attack,  an 
observation  balloon  of  the  Signal  Corps  was  towed  down  the  road  to  the  assembly  point  of 
the  brigade,  50  feet  above  the  men  of  the  First  and  Tenth  Cavalry,  lying  beneath.  This 
immediately  drew  the  fire  of  every  Spaniard,  no  matter  what  his  armament.  Naturally  the 
casualties  beneath  the  balloon  were  great.  It  is  unfortunate  there  are  no  phonographic 
records  of  the  comments  of  the  troopers  suffering  beneath  it.  Fortunately,  and  to  their 
great  delight,  it  was  shot  down,  after  affording  a  thrilling  experience  to  its  occupant,  Lieut. 
Colonel  Derby.  He  was  unhurt,  except  as  to  his  feelings. 


34  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

The  infantry  regiments  on  the  brigade's  left  were  having  a  terrible  time  advancing  in 
the  face  of  the  converging  Hre  from  Kettle  and  San  Juan  Hills.  Urgent  orders  came  from 
General  McClernand  "to  take  Kettle  Hill  at  all  costs."  The  job  given  to  the  First,  Ninth, 
Tenth  and  Rough  Rider  Cavalry  was  a  tough  one. 

The  famous  little  red-roofed  house  on  the  summit  was  indicated  as  the  objective;  and 
the  troops  started,  waded  through  the  San  Juan  River,  and  crawling,  running,  stumbling, 
crossed  the  bare  ground  up  the  slope  of  the  hill  in  the  terrific  heat,  all  in  the  face  of  a 
galling  fire  from  the  entrenchments  on  the  crest.  Reaching  the  objective,  the  Spaniards  were 
seen  fleeing  to  safety  into  the  trenches  beyond,  on  San  Juan  Hill. 

The  regiment  formed  in  two  lines,  Troops  A,  B,  E  and  I  in  front,  led  by  Major  Norvell. 
Troops  C,  F  and  G  were  in  the  second  line,  under  Major  Wint.  Troop  D,  which  had  forded 
the  river  further  down  stream,  was  temporarily  separated  from  the  squadron. 

Nothing  could  stop  the  rush  of  our  men.  The  two  lines  became  merged  into  one — a  line 
of  cheering,  yelling  heroes  whom  bullets  could  not  stop. 

1st  Lieutenants  W.  H.  Shipp  and  W.  E.  Smith  were  killed  while  leading  their  men. 
They  had  graduated  from  West  Point  together,  fell  at  the  same  time,  and  were  buried  in 
the  same  grave  on  San  Juan  Hill. 

Captain  A.  L.  Mills  was  shot  in  the  head  while  reforming  his  men  for  the  second  charge. 
2nd  Lieutenant  F.  R.  McCoy  was  severely  wounded  while  in  the  van  of  his  platoon,  and  was 
commended  for  gallantry.  First  Lieutenant  Livermore,  same  troop,  was  commended  for  gal- 
lantry in  taking  No.  1  blockhouse,  where  he  was  wounded.  Captain  Anderson  was  struck 
by  a  shell  burst  and  received  two  wounds,  but  continued  with  his  troop.  Captain  Bigelow  was 
struck  three  times  when  only  75  yards  from  the  blockhouse.  Lieutenants  Roberts,  Barnum, 
Whitehead  and  Willard  also  were  wounded. 

It  is  not  generally  known  that  the  colors  of  the  Third  Cavalry  were  planted  on  the  crest 
of  San  Juan  by  a  soldier  of  the  Tenth  Cavalry.  It  happened  in  this  manner :  About  half 
way  up  the  slope  the  colors  of  the  Third  were  seen  to  stop  and  fall,  the  color  bearer  sinking 
to  the  ground,  shot  through  the  body ;  Sergeant  George  Berry,  color  bearer  of  the  Tenth, 
dashed  over  to  where  the  colors  lay,  raised  them  high,  and  waving  both  flags,  planted  them 
on  the  crest  side  by  side.  This  act  won  for  Sergeant  Berry  high  commendation,  and  is  no 
doubt  the  only  instance  in  our  military  history  where  the  colors  of  one  regiment  were  carried 
to  the  final  objective  by  a  member  of  a  rival  regiment. 

Corporal  Walker  and  Pvt.  Luschious  Smith  were  with  Lieut.  Ord  of  the  Sixth  Infantry, 
and  were  "the  head  and  front  of  the  assault."  These  troopers  were  awarded  Certificates  of 
Merit  for  their  gallantry  on  this  day.  Since  Pvt.  Smith  exchanged  the  Certificate  of  Merit 
for  a  Distinguished  Service  Medal  he  is  the  only  man  now  in  the  regiment,  excepting  Colonel 
Winans,  who  wears  the  D.  S.  M. 

The  famous  old  hill  being  taken,  the  regiment  in  the  most  advanced  position,  commenced 
to  dig  in,  and  that  night  was  occupying  rifle  pits  extending  some  800  yards  to  the  right  of  the 
Santiago  road.  Repeated  counter  attacks  were  made  throughout  the  night,  and  rifle  firing 
continued  all  night.  Major  Wint  was  severely  wounded  while  encouraging  his  men  during 
a  night  counter  attack. 

The  victory  was  won,  but  not  without  its  price.  Eleven  of  the  twenty-two  officers  of 
the  regiment  were  casualties,  and  16^>  per  cent  of  the  enlisted  strength.  It  was  a  proud  day 
for  the  regiment. 

Sergeant   Graham's   heroic   action   was   the   subject   of   two  letters    from   commissioned 


HISTORY  OF-TENTH  CAVALRY 


35 


LT.  COL.  T.  A.  BALDWIN 


MAT.  S.  T.  NORVELL 


•V 


MAJ.  THEO.  J.  WINT 


CAPT.  C.  G.  AYRES 


36  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

officers,  recommending  him  for  a  Medal  of  Honor.  He  was  on  duty  with  the  Catling  Gun 
Battery,  and  performed  the  hazardous  duty  of  bringing  up  ammunition  across  a  fire-swept 
zone.  A  shell  from  the  enemy's  artillery  landed  near  Lieut.  Parker.  Without  hesitation, 
Sergeant  Graham  leaped  to  Lieut.  Parker's  side  and  covered  his  body  with  his  own.  Luckily, 
the  shell  fragments  struck  neither.  See  Appendix  "C'  for  the  letters  in  full. 

General  Wheeler  specially  recommended  the  following  men  for  a  Medal  of  Honor  for 
their  gallantry  and  coolness  under  fire : 
Troop  A— 

Corporal  John  Anderson. 
Private  R.  A.  Parker. 
Troop  C— 

Sergeant  Adam  Houston. 
Troop  E — 

1st  Sergeant  Peter  McCann. 
Sergeant  Benjamin  Fasit. 
Sergeant  O.  G.  Gaither. 
Sergeant  William  Payne. 
Corporal  Thomas  H.  Herbert. 
Troop  I— 

Private  Elsie  Jones.    (Previously  recommended). 

Many  enlisted  men  of  the  Ninth  and  Tenth  Cavalry  won  commendations  for  gal- 
lantry and  were  commissioned  in  the  Volunteers.  Among  those  were  Sergeant  Major  Edward 
L.  Baker,  Q.  M.  Sergeant  Alfred  M.  Ray.  1st  Sergeant  William  H.  Givens,  Sergeant  Saint 
Foster,  Sergeant  John  Buck,  and  Saddler  Sergeant  Jacob  C.  Smith. 

Lieutenant  Pershing,  the  Regimental  Quartermaster,  rendered  valuable  service  in  the 
hazardous  duty  of  conducting  the  troops  to  their  sectors  of  attack  and  defense,  and  was  com- 
mended by  Colonel  Baldwin. 

The  reports  of  Lieut.  Colonel  Baldwin,  Major  Norvell  and  the  troop  commanders  throw 
most  interesting  sidelights  on  the  battle.  These  appear  in  Appendix  "D." 

Colonel  Leonard  Wood  in  his  report  on  the  conduct  of  the  Second  Cavalry  Brigade, 
wrote : 

"That  dismounted  cavalry  should  have  been  able  to  charge  regular  infantry  in  strong 
position,  supported  by  artillery,  entanglements  and  the  general  lay  of  the  land,  seems  almost 
incredible,  yet  that  is  exactly  what  these  troops  did,  passing  over  a  long  zone  of  fire  and 
charging  steep  hills  topped  with  works  and  blockhouses.  I  can  only  say  that  their  work 
was  superb." 

The  thin  American  lines  on  San  Juan  Heights  was  now  within  cannon  shot  range  of 
Santiago,  but  the  situation  was  one  that  gave  our  high  command  grave  anxiety.  General 
Wheeler  was  the  recipient  of  unsolicited  advice  to  withdraw,  as  was  General  Shafer.  At 
3  :00  a.  m.  of  July  2nd,  heavy  firing  broke  out,  and  at  5  :30  was  general  all  along  the  line. 
Two  officers  and  five  men  of  the  Tenth  were  wounded  in  this  engagement  between  the 
trenches;  at  10:00  p.  m.,  our  men  had  to  beat  off  a  determined  attack,  supported  by  artillery. 
Work  on  the  entrenchments  continued  without  pause,  as  there  was  a  possibility  that  the 
"war  of  movement"  was  to  degenerate  into  trench  warfare,  or  a  siege. 

On  July  2nd,  in  the  evening,  a  conference  was  held  between  Generals  Shatter,  Wheeler, 
Lawton,  Kent  and  Bates,  to  decide,  upon  a  course  of  action.  It  developed  that  the  plan  of 
action  was  to  rest  on  the  reply  of  General  Toral  to  the  demand  for  the  surrender  of  Santiago, 
sent  under  flag  of  truce  on  July  3rd  at  noon. 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 


37 


1ST  LT.  CARTER  P.  JOHNSON  1 ST  LT.  MALVERN-HILL  BARNUM 


2ND  LT.  FRANK  R.  McCOY 


2ND  LT.  GEORGE  VIDMER 


38  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

July  3rd  dawned  to  the  accompaniment  of  heavy  artillery  and  musketry  fire.  About 
9:00  a.  m.,  the  booming  of  heavy  guns  off  the  Harbor  of  Santiago  told  the  men  in  the 
trenches  that  "Cervera  was  out,"  and  that  our  Navy  was  taking  care  of  the  Spanish  fleet. 
Hostilities  ceased  at  noon,  when  the  flag  of  truce  went  over,  but  not  before  two  more  men  of 
the  Tenth  had  been  wounded.  Bomb-proofs  were  constructed,  and  the  troops  started  to 
prepare  for  a  long  stay  in  their  trenches. 

At  noon  of  the  4th  of  July,  the  truce  continuing,  the  men  were  assembled  to  hear  General 
Miles'  congratulatory  telegram  referring  to  their  work  of  July  1st.  The  bands  played,  and 
a  real  celebration  was  held,  but  this  party  was  small  compared  to  the  jubilee  held  next  day 
when  the  news  came  of  the  destruction  of  the  Spanish  fleet. 

The  next  four  days  were  spent  in  strengthening  the  trenches,  and  speculating  on  the 
chances  for  a  renewal  of  the  fight. 

Firing  commenced  again  at  4:30  p.  m.  of  the  10th,  but  died  out  about  7:15  p.  m.  Early 
next  morning  the  pickets  tried  to  start  something,  and  by  6:00  a.  m.  the  firing  spread  all 
down  the  line.  It  took  forty  minutes  of  frantic  bugling  to  "Cease  firing"  for  the  firing  to 
cease.  A  tropical  thunderstorm  that  night  added  to  the  general  discomfort  of  the  trenches. 
General  Miles,  riding  down  the  lines,  caught  one  regiment  stark  naked,  while  they  were  drying 
their  clothing  on  trees  and  bushes.  Every  man  stood  at  attention  while  he  passed.  He  said 
later  that  it  was  the  strangest  review  he  ever  had. 

Early  on  the  14th  a  warning  order  came  to  the  effect  that  the  attack  would  be  launched 
at  noon.  In  the  midse  of  preparations  for  it,  however,  General  Toral  indicated  his  surrender, 
and  the  chances  for  another  battle  were  lost. 

On  the  17th  the  parapets  were  manned  to  witness  the  formal  surrender  of  General  Toral 
at  9 :30  a.  m.  At  noon  the  Stars  and  Stripes  climbed  the  flag  staff  over  Santiago,  and  the 
campaign  was  over. 

The  regiment  marched  to  camp  grounds  at  El  Caney  on  the  18th,  and  remained  there 
until  it  embarked  for  Montauk  Point,  L.  I.,  on  August  13th.  The  trip  to  Montauk  Point 
required  eight  days,  and  then  our  veterans  endured  the  famous  Detention  Camp  until 
October  6th,  a  period  of  six  weeks.  The  "out  of  luck"  troops  at  Lakeside,  in  the  meanwhile, 
had  brought  up  the  horses  and  baggage,  so  that  they  could  be  brought  right  back  to  Alabama. 
Anyway,  there  was  a  great  reunion  on  the  21st,  and  much  swapping  of  yarns.  There  was  no 
argument — the  Tenth  had  won  the  war. 

The  regiment  was  slated  for  a  temporary  stay  in  Huntsville,  Alabama.  As  a  special  com- 
pliment, President  McKinley  reviewed  the  regiment  in  Washington,  D.  C.,  ordering  it  de- 
trained for  the  purpose.  The  President  was  most  complimentary  in  his  remarks  to  Colonel 
Baldwin,  who  agreed  with  him  perfectly. 

Camp  in  Huntsville  was  made  October  llth,  and  our  veterans  had  no  trouble  making 
friends  and  getting  married.  The  citizens  of  this  city  were  most  cordial,  and  their  hos- 
pitality unbounded. 

The  band  and  the  two  veteran  squadrons  took  part  in  the  Peace  Jubilee  in  Philadelphia 
in  October.  Here  they  were  presented  with  a  beautiful  stand  of  colors,  a  gift  of  the  colored 
citizens  of  Philadelphia.  It  will  be  remembered  that  Philadelphia,  twenty-two  years  previous, 
had  furnished  Captain  Carpenter  the  high  class  recruits  wjio  were  to  become  the  backbone 
of  the  regiment. 

On  the  22nd  of  November  the  regiment  received  its  new  colonel,  S.  M.  Whitside. 

The  border  was  calling  again,  and  it  was  "Back  to  Texas"  on  January  29th,  1899.     The 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  39 

men  were  reluctant  to  leave  Huntsville.  As  a  token  of  the  respect  they  had  won  there  the 
citizens  presented  to  the  regiment  a  beautiful  silk  color. 

Back  in  Texas,  the  troops  took  station  as  follows :  Headquarters,  A,  G,  H  and  L  at 
Fort  Sam  Houston ;  C,  D  and  M  at  Fort  Clark  ;  B  at  Fort  Ringold ;  E  at  Fort  Mclntosh ; 
F  at  Eagle  Pass ;  I  at  Fort  Clark,  and  K  at  Fort  Brown. 

General  Orders,  No.  40,  War  Department,  1898,  caused  the  discharge  of  494  "for  the 
duration"  men.  This  in  February.  When  the  news — unofficial,  at  first — arrived  that  the 
regiment  was  to  return  to  Cuba  nearly  all  of  these  men  reenlisted.  Sure  enough,  orders  did 
come,  and  the  Tenth  was  slated  to  relieve  a  volunteer  regiment. 

Half  the  troops  landed  at  Manzanillo  on  May  7,  the  remainder  arrived  at  Gibara  on 
the  21st.  Headquarters  A,  C  and  H  took  station  at  Manzanillo,  L  at  Bayamo,  M  at  Jighuani, 
G  at  Campechuela,  B  at  Gibara,  D,  E  and  I  at  Holguin,  F  at  Banes,  and  K  at  Porto  Padre. 
These  places  will  never  be  forgotten  by  those  who  served  there.  The  Cubans  were  most 
friendly  and  obliging,  and  not  a  few  marriages  were  celebrated.  The  sentiment  in  the  regi- 
ment was  that  the  stations  and  service  in  Cuba  were  the  finest  it  had  ever  had. 

Field  service  against  insurrectos  and  bandits  was  enjoyed  for  several  months,  although 
in  the  rainy  season  the  difficulties  of  chasing  them  down  through  the  jungles  were  manifold. 
Lieutenant  Walter  C.  Short  made  one  brilliant  capture  of  a  band  of  eleven  outlaws  after  a 
hard  chase.  One  of  these  was  the  famous  bandit,  Troncon,  who  won  to  freedom  by  acting  as 
executioner  for  the  Province  of  Santiago.  He  received  credit  for  five  years'  imprisonment 
for  every  man  garroted.  It  is  not  known  how  many  men  he  had  to  garrote  to  equal  a  term 
of  life  imprisonment. 

Except  for  a  slight  epidemic  of  yellow  fever  which  broke  out  in  H  Troop,  the  troops 
enjoyed  good  health. 

In  January,  1900,  the  Second  Squadron  returned  to  the  States — Texas,  of  course — to 
function  as  Depot,  or  "Home  Squadron."  Their  stay  on  the  Rio  Grande  lasted  just  a  year, 
for  in  April,  1901,  they  moved  to  Frisco,  thence  to  Manila,  landing  on  May  13th.  A  week 
later  they  took  station  in  Samar.  E  Troop,  Captain  C.  G.  Ayres,  at  Oquendo ;  F,  Captain 
P.  E.  THppe  and  2nd  Lieut.  C.  A.  Romeyn,  at  Calbayog ;  G,  Captain  Guy  Carleton,  at  Gandara ; 
H,  Captain  Robert  D.  Read  and  1st  Lieutenant  Thos.  A.  Roberts,  at  Mao. 

Samar  was  full  of  Samaritans,  but  not  any  good  ones,  quoting  (now)  Lieut.  Colonel 
Romeyn.  Field  service  in  Samar  was  very  difficult,  and  to  our  men,  unused  to  the  best 
method  of  warfare  against  insurrectos,  had  many  interesting  experiences.  Colonel  Romeyn 
writes  of  one  hike :  "A  few  days  later  E  was  sent  up  the  Bibotan,  G  went  vip  the  Gandara, 
H  went  up  on  the  northwest  coast,  and  F  stayed  in  Calbayog.  However,  a  few  days  later 
General  Hughes  (R.  P.)  sent  us  out,  to  try  us  out.  We  took  three  days'  rations  (no  carga- 
dores.officcrs  and  men  carried  their  own  stuff)  and  a  guide  and  making  quite  a  detour  on 
starting  headed  for  the  interior  and  Luk-Ban. 

On  the  second  day  we  gobbled  an  outpost  and  "persuaded"  him  to  lead  us  to  camp. 
He  led  us  all  right.  We  were  soon  fired  on  by  another  outguard,  but  he  (the  prisoner)  said 
the  main  body  was  further  along. 

I  had  the  point  and  was  pushing  on  when  the  captain  (Trippe)  came  up  and  cussed 
me  out  for  not  going  after  the  outpost.  I  tried  to  explain,  but  I  went  after  the  outpost  and 
the  captain  took  the  guide  and  went  after  the  main  body  and  found  them.  They  were  waiting 
for  him,  and  had  their  aim  been  as  good  as  their  intentions  F  troop  would  have  had  some 
heavy  losses,  but  their  bullets  flew  high  and  none  of  our  men  were  hit.  We  killed  two  (one 
being  our  prisoner,  who  bolted). 


40  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

We  found  and  destroyed  a  lot  of  bamboo  cannon  loaded  with  home-made  powder  and 
iron  slugs.  A  very  good  weapon,  by  the  way,  at  fifty  yards,  but  usually  fired  at  about  500 
yards.  I  had  a  nice  climb  up  a  hill  about  one  hundred  feet  high  and  came  down  on  my 
reinforcements.  Of  course  it  rained,  and  that  night  we  had  a  nice  wet  camp  and  marched 
back  the  next  day  to  camp. 

F  troop  or  detachments  made  three  other  hikes  but  had  not  other  actions  except  a  small 
one  under  a  sergeant  whose  name  I  have  forgotten,  but  a  fine  man.  He  was  one  of  the 
captains  of  the  48th  or  94th,  I  believe,  and  he  and  some  scouts  marched  about  thirty  miles 
and  had  a  fight,  all  in  about  twenty-four  hours.  And  thirty  miles  in  Samar  was  some  hike. 
No  roads,  and  you  could  not  go  a  mile  without  using  your  hands  to  help  you  along.  One 
trooper  expressed  his  feelings :  "Gee,  but  I  wish  I  was  a  cavalry  horse  in  these  war  times." 
The  Navy  one  night  saw  an  H  troop  fire  on  shore  and  dropped  their  second  shell  on  it ; 
the  first  went  high,  and  by  the  time  the  second  arrived  all  100-yard  records  had  been  beaten. 
Roberts  made  the  Navy  "set  'em  up"  for  that. 

E,  G  and  H  had  a  terrible  time  up  in  the  interior.  I  was  Q.  M.  at  Calbayog  and  did 
my  best  to  feed  them,  but  it  was  a  poor  bunch  of  feed  I  fear. 

Finally  in  September  (we  landed  in  May)  the  squadron  left  for  Panay.  I  had  received 
orders  for  the  States  and  stayed  at  Calbayog  long  enough  to  clear  up  some  of  my  account- 
ability and  then  came  home. 

I  only  remember  one  good  anecdote,  but  in  those  days  of  the  "new  army"  I  believe  it 
well  worth  repeating. 

One  evening  Bobby  Read  was  sitting  in  front  of  his  tent  in  not  the  most  pleasant  frame 
of  mind  when  a  private  came  up.    Here  is  the  dialogue  as  I  remember  it : 
Pvt. — Sah,  I'd  like  permission  to  speak  to  the  captain. 
Bobby — Well,  what  is  it?  (rather  grouchily). 

Pvt. — Well,  sah,  I  has  a  complaint  to  make  agains  de  fust  sergeant. 
Bobby — (More  grouchily) — Well,  what  is  it? 

Pvt. — Well,  sah,  de  fust  sergenat  done  call  me —    — ,  and  I  don  like  dat  sort  of  thing. 
Bobby — (More  grouchily) — Well,  ain't  you 
Pvt. — (Cheerfully) — Yas,  sah!  yas,  sah!     If  de  captain  says  so. 

General  Chaffee  came  down  to  inspect  us.  We  received  him  with  a  salute  of  shrapnel 
fired  in  the  direction  of  the  last  reported  insurrectos  (we  got  a  good  echo),  and  his  inspector 
general  (Johnston,  I  believe)  criticised  the  uniforms.  After  he  had  gone  General  Hughes 
remarked,  "Well,  if  they  do  their  work  they  can  be  in  their  shirt  tails  for  all  I  care."  And 
we  did  the  work. 

The  squadron  remained  in  Samar  until  August,  when  it  was  moved  over  to  Panay. 
Here  the  troopers  were  furnished  with  remounts,  of  which  many  died  of  Surra.  Next  June 
(1902)  the  squadron  was  slated  for  a  return  to  the  States  to  join  the  regiment  again.  It 
sailed  from  Manila  July  6th  and  landed  at  Frisco  August  1st,  sailing  via  Nagasaki,  Japan. 
Later  in  the  same  month  E  took  station  at  Fort  D.  A.  Russell,  F  went  to  Fort  Washakie,  G 
and  H  garrisoned  Fort  Mackenzie,  all  in  Wyoming. 

To  return  to  the  troops  in  Cuba.  Under  the  governorship  of  General  Leonard  Wood 
outlawry  was  abolished  and  conditions  were  such  that  the  sub-stations  in  the  interior  were 
reduced  in  number  and  the  regiment  was  occupying  but  two  stations,  Manzanillo  and  Holguin. 
In  the  spring  of  1902  several  practice  marches  were  taken.  B  and  D  covered  800  miles,  cross- 
ing the  island  twice ;  A  and  L  covered  525  miles.  Pack  transportation  only  was  taken. 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 


41 


Continuing  its  policy  of  moving  the  Tenth  Cavalry  around  the  map,  the  regiment  was 
ordered  back  to  the  States,  this  time  to  the  northern  stations  requested  by  Colonel  Mizner 
long  ago.  Manzanillo  was  evacuated  April  24th,  the  troops  arriving  at  Fort  Robinson,  Ne- 
braska, May  4,  via  Newport  News.  The  troops  at  Holguin  left  that  place  on  May  4,  followed 
the  trail  and  arrived  at  Robinson  May  16th. 

Tenth  Cavalry  colonels  continued  their  popularity  with  the  War  Department,  for  once 
again  the  regiment  was  called  on  to  furnish  a  brigadier.  Colonel  Whitside  received  his 
star  May  29,  1902,  and  was  succeeded  by  Colonel  J.  A.  Augur,  who  joined  in  October. 


42 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 


O 

O 
r 
O 


o 

O 

r 
o 
2 
w 
r 


a 
o 
a 


Jf 


CHAPTER  V. 
SERVICE  AT  HOME 

ROM    May,   1902,    to    March,    1907,    Fort    Robinson,    Nebraska,    remained 
the   headquarters  of  the  regiment,   with  the  2nd  squadron  in   Wyoming. 
During  this  period  there  was  little  to  record,  excepting  the  expedition  in 
1906,  when  the  troops  were  called  out  to  put  down  the  Utes  in  Montana. 
For  the  first  time  in  its  history,  our  men  had  the  leisure  and  oppor- 
tunity  to   take   up   athletics.      From   the   start   the   regiment    made   good 
records.      In    the   words   of   one   old   non-com:     "What    it   took   to    win, 
we  had  nothing  else  but." 

1903 

TARGET   PRACTICE 

Regimental  order  in  Army No.  6 

Troop  K,  order  in  Army No.  3 

Troop  I,  order  in  Army No.  4 

Troop  M,  order  in  Army No.  6 

Troop  K,  order  in  Cavalry No.  1 

Army  Cavalry  competition — 

Corporal  Logan,  Troop  K,  3rd  medal  (Silver). 

Captain  Cavenaugh,  4th  medal   (Silver). 
Army  pistol  competition — 

Corporal  Reese,  Troop  M,  9th   (Bronze). 
Department  Cavalry  competition — 
(Departments  of  Missouri  and  Texas). 

Captain  Cavenaugh,  1st  medal  (Gold). 

Corporal  Logan,  Troop  K,  2nd  medal   (Silver). 

Captain  Hay,  5th  medal  (Bronze). 

Q.  M.  Sergeant  Anderson,  8th  medal  (Bronze). 

Corporal  Williams,  Troop  A,  10th  medal  (Bronze). 
Department  pistol  competition — 
(Departments  of  Missouri  and  Texas). 

Corporal  Reese,  Troop  M,  3rd  medal  (Silver). 

Corporal  Davis,  Troop  L,  8th  medal  (Bronze). 


44  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

ATHLETICS 

Winner  of  Field  Day  contests  (Headquarters,  Band,  1st  and  3rd  Squadrons;,  Troop  I. 

Winner  of  baseball  championship,  (Headquarters,  Band,  1st  and  3rd  Squadrons),  Band. 
Great  interest  was  displayed  in  athletics  during  the  year  and  the  results  of  monthly  contests, 
as  published  in  Department  General  Orders,  show  that  Fort  Robinson  (Headquarters,  Band, 
1st  and  3rd  Squadrons)  stood  first  in  the  Department. 

1904 

TARGET   PRACTICE 

Regimental  order  in  Army 14 

Troop  1,  order  in  Army 3 

Troop  K,  order  in  Army 14 

Troop  A,  order  in  Army 3/ 

In  the  expert  rifleman's  test  ten   (10)  qualified — four  officers  and  six  enlisted  men. 
Army  competition,  Cavalry — 

Regimental  Quartermaster  Sergeant  B.   A.   Anderson,  distinguished  marksman,   1st 

medal  (Gold). 

1st  Sergeant  Robert  Johnson,  Troop  K,  7th  medal  (Silver). 

Captain  William  H.  Hay,  8th  medal  (Silver). 
Army  pistol  competition — 

Sergeant  Wm.  H.  Hamilton,  Troop  D,  12th  medal  (Silver). 
Northern  Division  Cavalry  competition — 

Captain  H.  La  T.  Cavenaugh,  1st  medal  (Gold). 

Captain  William  H.  Hay,  9th  medal  (Bronze). 

Sergeant  Jesse  Baker,  Troop  H,  12th  medal  (Bronze). 

Sergeant  Robert  Glover,  Troop  I,  14th  medal  (Bronze). 
Northern  Division  pistol  competition — 

Sergeant  Wm.  H.  Hamilton,  Troop  D,  10th  medal  (Bronze). 

Cook  William  Floyd,  Troop  K,  llth  medal  (Bronze). 

Q.  M.  Sergeant  Otho  J.  Woodward,  Troop  C,  13th  medal  (Bronze). 

ATHLETICS 

Winner  of  gymnasium  contest,  Troop  B. 
Winner  of  field  day  contest,  Troop  I. 
Winner  of  baseball  championship,  Troop  I. 
Winner  of  football  championship,  Troop  B. 

These  contests  were  participated  in  by  the  1st  and  3rd  squadrons. 

1905 

TARGET   PRACTICE 

Regimental  order  in  Army 13 

Troop  K,  order  in  Army 22 

Troop  I,  order  in  Army 44 

Troop  A,  order  in  Army 52 

In  the  expert  riflemen  test,  20  qualified — four  officers  and  16  enlisted  men. 
Army  Cavalry  competition — 

Captain  W.  H.  Hay,  distinguished  marksman,  10th  medal  (Silver). 
Army  pistol  competition — 

2nd  Lieut.  H.  S.  Dilworth,  10th  medal  (Silver). 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  45 

Northern  Division  Cavalry  competition — 

1st  Lieut.  Bruce  Palmer,  2nd  medal  (Gold). 

Sergeant  Jesse  Baker,  Troop  H,  10th  medal  (Bronze). 

Cook  William  Floyd,  Troop  K,  llth  medal  (Bronze). 

Captain  R.  J.  Fleming,  12th  medal  (Bronze). 

Sqdn.  Sgt.  Maj.  E.  P.  Frierson,  16th  medal  (Bronze). 
Northern  Division  pistol  competition — 

Sergeant  William  H.  Hamilton,  Troop  D,  1st  medal  (Gold). 

2nd  Lieut.  H.  S.  Dilworth,  6th  medal  (Silver). 

ATHLETICS 

Strict  attention  was  paid  to  athletic  training  throughout  the  year  in  the  line  of 
gymnasium  and  outdoor  drills,  contests  and  games. 

Winner  of  indoor  contests,  Troop  B. 

Winner  of  field  day  contests,  Troop  I. 

Winner  of  baseball  championship — Headquarters,  1st  and  3rd  Squadrons,  9  teams — 
Troop  K. 

Winner  of  football  championship — 1st  and  3rd  Squadrons,  8  teams — Troop  K. 

1906 

TARGET  PRACTICE 

Regimental  order  in  Army 7 

Troop  I,  order  in  Army 12 

Troop  L,  order  in  Army _ 46 

Troop  K,  order  in  Army 47 

In  the  expert  riflemen  test,  49  qualified — eight  officers  and  41  enlisted  men. 
Army  rifle  competition — 

1st  Lieut.  Bruce  Palmer,  5th  medal  (Gold). 
Army  pistol  competition — 

Sergeant  William  H.  Hamilton,  Troop  D,  6th  medal  (Silver). 
Northern  Division  rifle  competition — 

1st  Lieut.  Bruce  Palmer,  1st  medal  (Gold). 

Sergeant  Benjamin  Bettis,  Troop  A,  14th  medal  (Bronze). 

1st  Sergt.  Isaac  Bailey,  Troop  B,  23rd  medal  (Bronze). 
Northern  Division  pistol  competition — 

Trumpeter  Revere  N.  Still,  Troop  K,  1st  medal  (Gold). 

Corporal  Manning  H.  Reese,  Troop  M,  llth  medal  (Bronze). 

2nd  Lieut.  H.  S.  Dilworth,  12th  medal  (Bronze). 

ATHLETICS 

Winner  of  field  day  contests  (Headquarters,  Band,  1st  and  3rd  Squadron),  Troop  I. 

Winner  of  baseball  championship  (Headquarters,  Band,  1st  and  3rd  squadron),  Troop  K. 

The  Tenth  Cavalry  seems  to  have  been  the  Father  of  Army  Polo.  Lieutenants  Palmer, 
Muller,  Cook  and  Graham  were  responsible  for  the  phenomenal  success  of  the  team,  and  it 
was  their  excellence  in  this  sport  that  made  the  Army,  for  the  first  time,  a  factor  to  be 
considered  in  tournaments  where  civilian  teams  competed.  In  1906,  Lieutenants  Cook  and 
Graham  played  on  the  team  which  won  the  international  championship  in  England. 

A  short  resume  of  the  polo  seasons  follow  : 


46  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

1903 

At  Fort  Logan,  Colorado,  June  23rd. 
Score : 

Tenth    Cavalry 5    goals 

14th   Cavalry 4^>    goals 

HANDICAPS 

At  Colorado  Springs,  Colorado,  June  25,  27  and  29. 
Score : 

Colorado    Springs 9]/2    goals 

Tenth    Cavalry 8   goals 

(Handicap  of  three  allowed  Tenth  Cavalry). 
Score : 

Tentli    Cavalry 6   goals 

Denver 5  goals 

Score : 

Glenwood 6%    go^j 

Tenth  Cavalry 5^4  goals 

(Handicap  of  four  allowed  Tenth  Cavalry). 
At  Glenwood,  Colorado,  September. 

A   series   of   games,   results   not   obtainable,   was    played    for   the    Rocky    Mountain 
championship. 
At  Fort  Riley,  Kansas,  October. 

A  game  was  played  with  a  team  of  officers  from  Fort  Riley  for  the  polo  champion- 
ship, Department  of  the   Missouri,  and  a  cup  put  up  by  the  management  of  the 
Department  Athletic  Contest. 
Score : 

Tenth  Cavalry 18  goals 

Fort  Riley 1    goal 

1904 

Polo  was  practiced  by  the  officers  of  Headquarters,  1st  and  3rd  Squadrons,  throughout 
the  open  season,  and  great  improvement  over  the  previous  year's  work  was  shown. 

The  following  are  the  results  of  match  games  participated  in  by  the  regimental  team : 
1 — Rocky    Mountain    Championship,   under   the   auspices   of   the   Glenwood    Polo    Club, 
Glenwood,  Colorado,  September,  1904 : 
Preliminary : 

Tenth  Cavalry 12  goals 

Colorado  Springs,  second '. 1^4  goals 

Finals : 

Tenth    Cavalry 4   goals 

Glenwood 12    goals 

2 — The  Scudder  Handicap,  under  the  auspices  of  the  Cheyenne  Mountain  Country  Club, 
at  Colorado  Springs,  September,  1904. 
First  Game : 

Tenth  Cavalry 9  goals 

Colorado  Springs,  second 5  goals 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  47 

Second  Game : 

Tenth  Cavalry 5  goals 

Colorado  Springs 0  goals 

Third  Game: 

Tenth  Cavalry 3  goals 

Glenwood 2^    goals 

1905 

Polo  had  been  encouraged  and  practiced  by  a  large  number  of  officers  of  Headquarters, 
1st  and  3rd  Squadrons,  throughout  the  open  season  with  great  benefit  to  their  physical  con- 
dition and  their  skill  in  all  branches  of  equitation. 

The  following  are  the  results  of  the  open  championship  contests  participated  in  by  the 
regimental  team  during  the  year. 

Tenth  Cavalry  Challenge  Cup,  under  the  auspices  of  the  Officers'  Club,  Fort  Robinson, 
Nebraska,  June,  1905 : 

First  Game : 

Tenth    Cavalry 9   goals 

Colorado .• 4  goals 

Second  Game : 

Tenth  Cavalry „ 1  goal 

Colorado 3^4   goals 

Third  Game : 

Tenth   Cavalry 5    goals 

Colorado , 4^4   goals 

Rocky  Mountain  Championship,  under  the  auspices  of  the  Glenwood  Polo  Club,  Glen- 
wood,  Colorado,  September,  1905. 

Preliminary : 

Tenth    Cavalry 10   goals 

Colorado  Springs 4  goals 

Finals  : 

Tenth  Cavalry 7^.  goals 

Glenwood 6^2    goals 

Western  Championship,  under  the  auspices  of  the  Cheyenne  Mountain  Country  Club, 
Colorado  Springs,  Colorado,  September,  1905. 

Preliminary : 

Tenth   Cavalry 8   goals 

Denver 6    goals 

Finals : 

Tenth    Cavalry 8   goals 

Colorado  Springs 1^4  goals 

Interstate  Championship,  under  the  auspices  of  the  Denver  Country  Club,  Denver, 
Colorado.  September,  1905. 

Preliminary : 

Tenth  Cavalry 12  goals 

Denver 5    goals 

Finals : 

Tenth   Cavalry 9?4    goals 

Colorado  Springs 7  goals 


48  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

Black   Hills   Championship,   under   the  auspices   of  the   Minnekato   Club,    Hot   Springs, 
South  Dakota,  October,  1905. 
Preliminary : 

Tenth  Cavalry 17  goals 

Sheridan Y$   goal 

Finals  : 

Tenth    Cavalry 8   goals 

Sheridan '. 3    goals 

The  foregoing  shows  a  brilliant  season  for  the  regiment  in  polo,  five  open  champion- 
ships won,  with  the  unquestioned  supremacy  of  the  middle  west.  The  officers  most  dis 
tinguished  in  polo  were  Lieutenants  Palmer,  Muller,  Cook  and  Graham. 

1906 

Owing  to  the  marked  success  of  the  regimental  polo  team  in  the  preceding  year  (1905), 
four  notable  players  of  the  East  and  West,  Mr.  Foxhall  Keene,  of  New  York;  Mr.  Bulkley 
Wells  and  Bryant  Turner,of  Denver,  and  Mr.  Frank  Gilpin,  of  Colorado  Springs,  invited 
the  Tenth  Cavalry  to  play  a  series  of  polo  games  at  Colorado  Springs  for  the  best  two 
out  of  three  games.  Our  team  consisted  of  Lieutenants  Muller,  Cook,  Palmer  and  Graham, 
with  Captain  Paxton  and  Lieut.  Cartmell  as  substitutes. 

The  results  of  the  games  were  as  follows : 
April  24th,  1906: 

Tenth   Cavalry 4j^    goals 

Colorado 3?4   goals 

April  27th,  1906 : 

Tenth   Cavalry 10^    goals 

Colorado 3   goals 

The  third  game  being  rendered  unnecessary  by  the  success  of  the  Tenth  Cavalry,  and 
some  of  the  members  of  the  Tenth  Cavalry  team  having  been  called  away,  a  handicap  game 
was  arranged  for  which  was  won  by  Colorado  by  a  score  of  8  to  2^4. 

Preparation  for  the  autumn  tournament  was  impeded  by  a  tour  in  a  Camp  of  Instruc- 
tion for  two  months  immediately  preceding  the  games.  In  fact  it  was  not  believed  that  the 
regiment  would  be  able  to  participate  until  just  before  the  games  began.  The  regiment  was 
further  handicapped  by  the  absence  of  Lieutenants  Palmer  and  Adair,  the  latter  who  had 
become  first  substitute.  In  spite  of  these  difficulties  the  team  participated  in  all  the  finals 
and  won  a  number  of  notable  games. 

The  team  consisted  of  Lieutenants  Muller  and  Cook,  Captain  Kromer  and  Lieut.  Graham, 
with  Captain  Paxton  as  substitute. 

Following  are  the  results : 

Rocky  Mountain  Championship,  at  Glenwood,  Colorado. 

Finals : 

Colorado    Springs 9V2    goals 

Tenth    Cavalry 6    goals 

Interstate  Championship,  at  Denver,  Colorado. 

Preliminary : 

Tenth    Cavalry 6   goals 

Denver 1    goal 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  49 

Finals : 

Colorado    Springs 12    goals 

Tenth    Cavalry 5    goals 

Western  Championship,  at  Colorado  Springs. 
Preliminary : 

Tenth    Cavalry 8    goals 

Colorado  Springs : , 3)4  goals 

Finals : 

Sheridan 8^4    goals 

Tenth    Cavalry 5    goals 

United  States  Army  vs.  Civilians. 

Civilians  9  goals 

Army  6  goals 

America  vs  British  Isles.     (Lieutenants  Cook  and  Graham  on  American  team). 

America  6  goals 

British   Isles 4  goals 

Woodward  Handicaps. 
Preliminaries : 

Tenth   Cavalry ...13  goals 

Colorado   Springs 3)4  goals 

(Handicap  of  five  allowed  Tenth  Cavalry). 

Denver  won  preliminary  from  Sheridan,  which  allowed  three  goals  handicap.  On 
account  of  the  enforced  absence  of  many  players  the  finals  were  postponed  to  some  future 
date. 

A  match  game  was  played  with  the  Sixth  Cavalry  at  Fort  Robinson,  1906. 
The  Tenth  Cavalry  team  consisted  of  Lieutenants  Cook,   Adair,   and   Captain   Paxton, 
with  Captain  Kromer  and  Lieutenant  Cartmell  each  playing  two  periods. 
Score:    Tenth  Cavalry,  12;  Sixth  Cavalry,  1. 


CHAPTER  VI. 

PHILIPPINE  ISLANDS 

ANUARY,  1907,  found  the  troops  still  in  Nebraska  and  Wyoming. 
Headquarters,  Band,  A,  B,  C,  D,  I,  K,  L  and  M  were  in  Fort  Robinson, 
vE  and  F  were  still  at  Washakie,  G  and  H  at  D.  A.  Russell.  Preparations 
'were  being  male  for  a  move  to  the  Philippine  Islands,  so  in  February 
|E  and  F  joined  G  and  H  at  D.  A.  Russell. 

March  1st,  Headquarters,  Band,  and  Troops  A,  C,  D,  K  and  L  en- 
hrained  for  San  Francisco,  where  it  was  joined  March  5th  by  Major 
Wint's  squadron  from  D.  A.  Russell.  No  time  was  available  to  "see  the  sights'"  of  Frisco. 
The  Transport  Thomas  was  waiting  at  the  dock  and  received  our  warriors  and  steamed 
away,  bound  for  the  land  of  the  Caribao  and  the  festive  Filipino.  This  trip  was  the  second 
voyage  for  the  Second  Squadron,  whose  veterans  put  on  no  end  of  airs  at  being  seasoned 
travelers.  Honolulu  and  Guam  were  touched  at,  while  the  troops  looked  forward  to 
another  big  reunion. 

Manila  was  reached  April  2nd.  and  the  Headquarters,  Band,  Second  Squadron  and  K 
and  L  took  station  next  day  at  Fort  William  McKinley.  Major  Grierson  took  station  at 
Camp  Wallace  Union,  April  6th,  with  A,  C  and  D. 

Of  the  troops  still  at  Robinson,  Troops  B  and  I  entrained  May  31st  and,  following  the 
trail,  joined  their  squadrons  in  July. 

Out  of  luck,  Troop  M  moved  to  Fort  Riley,  Kansas,  May  19th  and  remained  until  the 
return  of  the  regiment  to  the  States  in  1909,  constituting  the  detachment  for  the  Mounted 
Service  School. 

In  the  Islands  the  Tenth  kept  up  its  record  in  athletics  and  military  sports  against 
keen  competition. 

PHILIPPINES  DIVISION   PISTOI,  COMPETITION 

Corporal  Revere  N.  Still,  Troop  K,  7th  medal  (Bronze). 
Sergeant  Vodrey  Henry,  Troop  H,  10th  medal  (Bronze). 

DEPARTMENT   MEET  EVENTS 

The  regiment  won  the  following  events  at  the  Annual  Athletic  Meet  of  the  Department 
of  Luzon  which  was  held  in  Manila  from  December  9th  to  December  14th,  competing  against 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  51 

two  cavalry   regiments,   three   infantry   regiments,   one   artillery   regiment,    one    company   of 
engineers,  and  the  hospital  corps. 

GENERAL   EVENTS 

1. — Running  high  jump. 

Private  Johnson,  Troop  B,  1st  place.     Height  5  feet  6  inches. 

Private  Miller,  Troop  I,  3rd  place. 
2.— Putting  12-lb.  shot. 

Sergeant  Washington,  Troop  G,  2nd  place.     Distance  36  feet. 
3. — Baseball  throwing  contest. 

Private  Thompson,  Troop  B,  1st  place.    Distance  321  feet  6  inches. 
4. — Running  broad  jump. 

Private  Davis,  Troop  F,  1st  place.     Distance  19  feet  2J/2  inches. 
5. — Relay  race. 

Regimental  team,  3rd  place. 
6. — Pole  vaulting. 

Sergeant  Michie,  Troop  H,  3rd  place.     Height  9  feet  4  inches. 
7.— 100-yard  dash. 

Private  Loud,  Troop  1,  1st  place.    Time  10  1/5  seconds. 
8.— 120-yard  hurdles. 

Private  Collins,  Troop  L,  1st  place.     Time  18  seconds. 
9— Tug  of  War. 

Regimental  team,  3rd  place. 

CAVALRY   EVENTS 

1. — Mounted  wrestling. 

Regimental  team,  1st  place. 
2. — Tent  pegging  contest. 

Regimental  team,  1st  place. 
3 — Training  of  the  Squad. 

Regimental  team,  2nd  place. 

BASEBALL 

When  the  regiment  arrived  in  the  islands,  April  2nd,  1907,  Fort  William  McKinley 
was  represented  in  the  Manila  Baseball  League  by  a  post  team.  1st  Sergeant  Thompson 
of  G  troop  was  signed  by  the  post  team  as  a  pitcher,  and  proved  to  be  of  great  assistance 
in  winning  for  the  post  the  Manila  Baseball  League  pennant  for  the  season  1906-1907. 

No  games  between  regimental  teams  of  the  post  were  played  until  the  rainy  season. 

As  a  part  of  the  department  meet  in  December  a  competition  between  regimental  teams 
took  place.  In  this  competition  the  Tenth  Cavalry  team  was  tied  for  second  place  with 
four  other  teams,  being  beaten  by  three  teams  of  Fort  William  McKinley,  which  they  had 
beaten  several  times  before  the  meet. 

In  November  a  post  lea.pue  was  formed,  consisting  of  one  team  from  each  of  the  five 
garrisons  at  Fort  William  McKinley.  At  the  end  of  December  the  Tenth  Cavalry  team  was 
leading  the  league,  having  won  all  the  games  played  up  to  that  time. 

1908" 

January  7th  and  17th  to  April  8th,  Troops  E  and  F,  respectively,  were  stationed  in  the 
Mariquina  River  Valley;  and  September  llth  to  October  llth,  Troop  G;  October  llth  to 
November  llth,  Troop  H;  November  llth  to  28th,  Troop  K,  was  stationed  at  San  Mateo, 


52  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

Rizal,  P.  I.,  being  engaged  in  patrolling  the  Mariquina  River  Valley,  guarding  the  Manila 
water  supply  from  infection  of  cholera. 

MARCHES 

January  21-26,  Troop  D,  Captain  John  Ryan,  commanding,  marched  from  Camp  Wallace 
Union,  P.  I.,  to  Camp  John  Hay  and  Trinidad,  Benguet,  and  return.  Distance  marched 
lS?y2  miles. 

February  10-16,  Troop  B,  1st  Lieutenant  William  W.  Edwards,  commanding,  marched 
from  Camp  Wallace  Union,  P.  I.,  to  Camp  John  Hay  and  Trinidad,  Benguet,  and  return. 
Distance  marched  115  miles. 

February  23-26,  Troops  H,  I,  K  and  L,  under  command  of  Major  Robert  D.  Read, 
marched  through  Rizal  and  Cavite  provinces  and  return.  Distance  of  march  60  miles. 

April  18th  to  May  13th,  the  Band,  under  command  of  2nd  Lieutenant  Henry  R.  Adair, 
went  to  Camp  Wallace  Union,  P.  I.,  and  Camp  John  Hay,  P.  L,  and  return.  Distance 
traveled  about  449  miles. 

April  24th  to  June  llth,  Troop  I,  Captain  Henry  C.  Whitehead,  commanding,  marched 
to  Camp  Wallace  Union,  P.  I.,  via  Camp  John  Hay,  P.  L,  and  return.  Arrived  at  Camp 
Wallace  Union  May  13th,  where  it  remained  until  May  25th.  Distance  marched  484  miles. 

December  30-31,  Troop  A,  1st  Lieutenant  Carl  H.  Muller,  commanding,  was  en  route  to 
and  stationed  at  Camp  Pasay,  near  Manila,  P.  L,  representing  the  regiment  at  the  Philippines 
Division  Annual  Military  Tournament.  Distance  traveled  175  miles. 

PHILIPPINE   DIVISION    PISTOL   COMPETITION 

1st  Sergeant  Isaac  Bailey,  Troop  B,  23rd  medal  (Bronze). 
Squadron  Sergt.  Major  E.  P.  Frierson,  31st  medal  (Bronze). 

PHILIPPINE.  DIVISION   RIFLE  COMPETITION 

Corporal  William  E.  Andrews,  Troop  A.  9th  medal  (Bronze). 

PHILIPPINES  DIVISION   MEET  EVENTS 

The    regiment    won    the    following    events    at    the    Annual    Military    Meet,    Philippines 
Division,  held  at  Pasay,  near  Manila,  January  13-18. 
Steeple  chase  (2  miles). 

Winner,  Captain  Robert  R.  Wallach.     Time  4:21  1/5. 
Officers'  flat  race  (1  mile). 

1st — 2nd  Lieutenant  Emmett  Addis. 
2nd — 2id  Lieutenant  James  S.  Greene. 
3rd — 2nd  Lieutenant  Henry  R.  Adair. 

Time  1  :55  2/5. 
Soldiers'  flat  race  (1  mile). 

1st— Private  J.  J.  Prather,  Troop  H. 
3rd — Sergeant  Ether  Beattie,  Troop  C. 
Time  1 :55  2/5. 

MILITARY  EVENTS  (Cavalry) 
Fencing,  mounted. 

Sergeant  Richard  E.  Robinson,  Troop  K,  2nd. 
Bending  race. 

1st — Corporal  Richard  P.  Parham,  Troop  K. 

2nd— Trumpeter  William  Trent,  Troop  K. 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  53 

Time  31  seconds. 
Reaching  contest. 

1st — Private  Felix  Page,  Troop  K. 

2nd — Corporal  William  A.  McDowell,  Troop  K. 

Time  1  minute  2  seconds. 
Individual  scouting. 

2nd — Sergent  William  L.  Davis  and  Corporal  Alf  Williams,  Troop  K. 
Troop  K,  Captain  Harry  La  T.  Cavanaugh,  commanding,  represented  the  regiment  with 
great  credit  at  this  meet,  standing  second  with  940.69  points. 

DEPARTMENT   MEET  EVENTS 

The  regiment  won  the  following  events  at  the  Annual  Athletic  Meet  of  the  Department 
of  Luzon,  which  was  held  in  Manila  from  December  8th  to  December  24th,  competing  against 
two  cavalry  regiments,  three  infantry  regiments  and  one  artillery  regiment. 

FIELD  AND  TRACK  EVENTS 
1.— 100-yard  dash. 

1st  place,  Private  E.  T.  Loud,  Troop  I.    Time  10  1/5  seconds. 
2. — Running  high  jump. 

1st  place,  Private  G.  W.  Johnson,  Troop  B.    Height  5  feet  5  inches. 

3rd  place,  Corporal  George  Lee,  Troop  G. 
3. — Running  broad  jump. 

1st  place,  Private  Lee  Edwards,  Troop  E.     Distance  20  feet  3  inches. 
4.— Putting  16-lb.  shot. 

1st  place,  Private  Leslie  White,  Troop  H.    Distance  37  feet  3  inches. 
5. — 120- yard  hurdles. 

3rd  place,  Corporal  D.  S.  Collins,  Troop  L. 
6. — 800-yard  relay  race. 

1st  place,  Regimental  Team.    Time  1  :29  1/5. 

CAVALRY  EVENTS 

7. — Broad  sword  contest. 

1st  place,  Private  G.  Coleman,  Troop  H. 
8. — Horse  training  contest. 

1st  place,  Regimental  Team. 
9. — Pistol  and  saber  contest. 

1st  place,  Sergeant  William  Rose,  Troop  B. 
10. — Tent  pegging  contest. 

1st  place,  Sergeant  Arthur  Baker,  Troop  D. 
11. — Relay  race. 

2nd  place,  Regimental  team. 
12. — Exhibition  drill. 

2nd  place,  Troop  G,  (Captain  Wallach). 
13. — Machine  gun  contest  (Cavalry). 

(a) — To  go  into  action. 

1st  place,  Tenth  Cavalry,  93%.    Time  2.27  1/5. 

(b) — Call  to  arms. 

1st  place,  Tenth  Cavalry,  90%.     Time  3:31  4/5. 

(c) — Retiring  from  action. 

1st  place,  Tenth  Cavalry.     (No .record). 


54  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

(d) — Mounted  drill. 

2nd  place,  Tenth  Cavalry,  87%. 

GENERAL  EVENTS 

1. — Tug  of  war. 

3rd  place,  Regimental  Team. 
2. — Sparring  contest.     (Middleweight  class). 

Winner,  Corporal  John  Henderson,  Troop  C. 

NOVELTY  EVENTS 

1. — Egg  and  cigar  race. 

1st  place,  Corporal  J.  J.  Prather,  Troop  H.    Time  1  :19  1/5. 

RECAPITULATION  : 

Field  and  track  events. 

Tenth  Cavalry 42  points,  I  st  place 

Cavalry  Events. 

Tenth  Cavalry 72  points,  3rd  place 

Machine  Gun  Platoon  Contest  (Cavalry). 

Tenth  Cavalry 52  points,  1st  place 

BASEBALL 

In  the  Fort  William  McKinley  League,  consisting  of  one  team  from  each  of  the  five 
garrisons,  for  the  season  1907-1908.  the  regimental  team  stood  second. 

In  the  Department  of  Luzon  Baseball  Tournament,  consisting  of  seven  teams,  held  at 
Manila,  commencing  on  the  23rd  of  November,  the  regimental  team  stood  second,  with  a 
percentage  of  .666. 

Leading  players — 

Best  catcher :  Q.  M.  Sergeant  S.  B.  Barrows,  Troop  B. 

Best  pitcher,  fewest  hits:    1st  Sergt.  W.  W.  Thompson,  Troop  G.    (7  hits,  4  games). 

In  the  Post  League  at  Fort  Riley,  Kansas,  consisting  of  15  teams,  season  1908,  Troop 
M  stood  first,  having  won  27  games  out  of  29  games  played. 

HORSE   SHOW 

The  regiment  won  the  following  events  in  the  First  Manila  Horse  Show,  held  at  Manila 
in  March. 
POLO  CLASS. 

Captain   R.   G.    Paxton's   black   gelding,   "Crook,"    ridden   by   2nd    Lieut.    H.    R.    Adair. 

Blue  ribbon. 
JUMPING  CLASSES. 

Over  8  jumps,  4  feet  6  inches  high. 

Cliquot,  Troop  G,  ridden  by  Captain  R.  R.  Wallach.     Blue  ribbon. 
Chico,  Troop  I,  ridden  by  Blacksmith  Marts,  Troop  I.     Red  ribbon. 
Over  6  jumps,  4  feet  6  inches  high. 

Cliquot,  Troop  G,  ridden  by  Private  Martin,  Troop  G.     Blue  ribbon. 
Jim  vStar,  ridden  by  Private  Pleasant,  Troop  G.     Red  ribbon. 
High  jump,  horse  of  any  country. 

Chico,  Troop   I,   ridden  by   Blacksmith   Marts,   Troop   I.     Blue   ribbon.     Height   6 

feet  Y-2.  inch. 
Cliquot,  Troop  G,  ridden  by  Private  Martin,  Troop 'G.    Red  ribbon. 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 


55 


Troopers'  high  jump. 

Phil,  Troop  G,  ridden  by  Private  Pleasant,  Troop  G.    Blue  ribbon. 
Cliquot,  Troop  G,  ridden  by  Private  Martin,  Troop  G.     Red  ribbon. 
Troopers'  jump,  over  8  jumps,  4  feet  2  inches  high. 

Phil,  Troop  G,  ridden  by  Private  Pleasant,  Troop  G.     Blue  ribbon. 
Chico,  Troop  I,  ridden  by  Blacksmith  Marts,  Troop  I.    Red  ribbon. 
Teams  of  two  horses,  over  6  jumps,  4  feet  2  inches  high. 

Cliquot  and  Phil,  Troop  G,  ridden  by  Captain  Wallach  and  Private  Pleasant,  Troop 

G.    Blue  ribbon. 
Best  trained  cavalry  horse. 

Guapo,  Troop  F,  ridden  by  Corporal  Alexander,  Troop  F.     Red  ribbon. 
Gentlemen's  saddle  class — 15-1  and  over. 

Lieut.  Emmett  Addis,  "The  Montanan,"  ridden  by  Lieut.  Addis.     Blue  ribbon. 
Breeding  class,  stallions — 14  to  15-1. 

Captain    Whitehead's    chestnut    stallion,    "Padre,"    ridden    by    Captain    Whitehead. 

Blue  ribbon. 
Breeding  class,  mares — 14  to  15-1. 

Captain    Whitehead's    bay    mare,    "Louise/'    ridden    by    Captain    Whitehead.      Blue 

ribbon. 
Gentlemen's  saddle  class — 14  to  15. 

Captain    Whitehead's    chestnut    stallion,    "Padre,"    ridden    by    Captain    Whitehead. 

Blueribbon. 
Ladies'  saddle  class — 14  to  15-1. 

Captain    Whitehead's    chestnut    stallion,    "Padre,"    ridden    by    Miss    Louise    Dunn. 

Blue  ribbon. 
Tandem  class. 

Captain  Whitehead's  "Foxy"'  and  "Padre,"  driven  by  Lieut.  Mayo.     Blue  ribbon. 
The  regiment  did  not  take  any  part  in  the  competitions  in  1909. 

The  regiment  won  the  following  events  at  the  Annual  Military  Meet,  Philippine  Division, 
held  at  Pasay,  near  Manila,  January  4-16. 

SPECIAL  EVENTS 
Enlisted  men's  flat  race — 1  mile. 

Winner,  Sergeant  Richard  M.  Norris,  Troop  A.     Time  2  minutes  3  1/5  seconds. 
Boxing.     (Sixth  bout). 

Private  Frank  Wagner,  Troop  A.    Four-round  draw. 

ATHLETIC  EVENTS 

100-yard  dash. 

3rd,  Private  Deward  T.  Loud,  Troop  I. 
Running  high  jump. 

Winner,  Private  Guy  W.  Johnson,  Troop  B.     Height  5  feet  4  inches. 
Putting  16-lb  shot. 

Winner,  Private  Leslie  White,  Troop  H.     Distance  38  feet  8^  inches. 
120-yard  hurdles. 

3rd,  Corporal  Daniel  S.  Collins,  Troop  L. 
Relay  race. 

Winner,  Team  from  Department  of  Luzon.     (Tenth  Cavalry  had  one  man  on  team). 


56  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

INDIVIDUAL  ORGANIZATION   EVENTS    ( CAVALRY) 

Tent  pegging. 

2nd,  Saddler  James  N.  Hines,  Troop  A. 
Rescue  race. 

2nd,  Sergeant  Lucius  Lemare,  Troop  A. 
Relay  race  (Mounted). 

Winners,  Squad,  Troop  A. 

POLO  TOURNAMENT 

Winners,  Tenth  Cavalry. 

Team — 1st  Lieut.  Bruce  Palmer.     (Field  captain). 
Captain  Robert  G.  Paxton. 
2nd  Lieut.  Seth  W.  Cook. 
2nd  Lieut.  E.  F.  Graham. 
2nd  Lieut.  Henry  R.  Adair. 
Cavalry  Troops. 

3rd,  Troop  A,  Tenth  Cavalry,  749%. 
Machine  gun  platoon. 

2nd,  Machine  Gun  Platoon,  Tenth  Cavalry,  491.66%. 

The  following  events  were  won  by  members  of  the  regiment   at   Albany,   New   York, 
during  the  Hudson-Fulton  celebration,  October  4-9,  1909. 
Steeplechase  (Two  miles). 

Winner,  Captain  R.  R.  Wallach,  Tenth  Cavalry. 
Mounted  wrestling. 

Winners,  Corporal  Moss,  Troop  G,  and  Private  Lee  Edwards,  Troop  E. 
Rescue  race. 

Winners,  Corporals  Williams  and  Prather,  Troop  H. 

Second,  Corporals  Moss  and  Griffin,  Troop  G. 
Relay  race. 

Winners,  Sergeant  Sibert,  Corporal  Malone  and  Privates  Little  and  Coleman,  Troop  F. 

Second,  Sergeant  Mickie,  Corporal  Prather  and  Privates  Harrison  and  Upton,  Troop  H. 
Tent  pegging. 

Winner,  Private  Coleman,  Troop  H. 
Jumping  to  form. 

Winner,  Private  Little,  Troop  F. 
High  jump. 

Winner,  Private  Little,  Troop  F. 
Flat  race  (One  mile). 

Winner,  Corporal  Malone,  Troop  F. 
Hippodrome. 

Winner,  Corporal  Berrien,  Troop  E. 

Second,  Private  Sanders,  Troop  E. 
Individual  horsemanship. 

Winner,  Private  Coleman,  Troop  H. 
Shelter  tent  pitching. 

Winner,  Troop  H. 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  57 

MACHINE    GUN    PLATOON    EVENTS 

Machine  gun  platoon  drill  and  exhibition. 

Winner,  Machine  Gun  Platoon,  Tenth  Cavalry. 
Best  and  most  sanitary  camp  during  the  week. 

Winner,  Machine  Gun  Platoon,  Tenth  Cavalry. 

BASEBALL 

In  the  Fort  William  McKinley,  Rizal,  P.  I.,  League,  consisting  of  one  team  from  each 
of  the  five  garrisons,  for  the  season  1908-1909,  the  regimental  team  stood  first. 

POLO 

The  following  are  the  results  of  an  inter-regimental  polo  tournament  which  constituted  a 
part  of  the  division  meet  for  the  Philippines  Division  Cup,  presented  by  the  Army  and  Navy 
Club  of  Manila.     The  lineup  of  teams  was  from  the  First,  Sixth,   Ninth  and  Tenth  Regi- 
ments of  Cavalry. 
SUMMARY  : 

First  event,  Tuesday,  January  5,  1919,  Tenth  Cavalry  vs.  Ninth  Cavalry. 
Tenth  Cavalry — Goals  earned,  12;  lost  by  penalties,  0;  total  score,  12. 
Ninth  Cavalry — Goals  earned,  2;  lost  by  penalties,  1  ;  total  score,  1. 
Fourth  event,  Thursday,  January  7,  1909,  Tenth  Cavalry  vs.  Sixth  Cavalry. 
Tenth  Cavalry — Goals  earned,  8 ;  lost  by  penalties,  *4 !  total  score,  7)4. 
Sixth  Cavalry — Goals  earned,  3 ;  lost  by  penalties,  0   jtotal  score,  3. 
Sixth  event,  Saturday,  January  9,  1909,  Tenth  Cavalry  vs.  First  Cavalry. 
Tenth  Cavalry — Goals  earned,  9 ;  lost  by  penalties,  J/2 ;  total  score,  Sy2. 
First  Cavalry — Goals  earned,  3 ;  lost  by  penalties,  %  ;  total  score,  2^4. 
Recapitulation : 

Tenth  Cavalry— Won  3,  lost  0.    Percent  100. 
First  Cavalry — Won  1,  lost  2.    Percent  33. 
Ninth  Cavalry— Won  0,  lost  3.     Percent  00. 

The  following  are  the  results  of  two  match  games  played  by  our  Army  against  a  team 
of  English  Army  officers  from  Hong  Kong,  and  constituted  a  part  of  the  Philippines  carnival. 
First  event.     Played  at  Manila,  P.  I.,  Wednesday,  February  3,  1909. 
Second  Manila  team  vs.  Hong  Kong  team. 
Hong  Kong — 

Commander  Campbell,  Royal  Navy,  No.  1. 
Lieutenant  Crookenden,  Buffs,  No.  2. 
Major  Findley,  Buffs,  No.  3. 
Lieutenant  Green,  Buffs,  back. 
Second  Manila — 

Lieutenant  Adair,  Tenth  Cavalry,  No.  1. 
Lieutenant  Koch,  Sixth  Cavalry,  No.  2. 
Captain  Babcock,  First  Cavalry,  No.  3. 
Lieutenant  Wainwright,  First  Cavalry,  back. 
SUMMARY  : 

Second  Manila — Goals  earned,  6 ;  lost  by  penalties,  0 ;  total  score,  6. 
Hong  Kong — Goals  earned,  1;  lost  by  penalties,  0;  total  score,  1. 
Second  event.     Played  at  Manila,  P.  T.,  Sunday,  February  7,  1909. 
First  team  vs.  Hong  Kong  team. 


58  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

Hong  Kong — 

Commander  Campbell,  Royal  Navy,  No.  1. 

Lieutenant  Crookenden,  Buffs,  No.  2. 

Captain  Briefly,  Royal  Artillery,  No.  3. 

Lieutenant  Green,  Buffs,  back. 
First  Manila — 

W.  Cameron  Forbes,  No.  1. 

Lieutenant  Cook,  Tenth  Cavalry,  No.  2. 

Lieutenant  Palmer,  Tenth  Cavalry,  No.  3. 

Lieutenant  Graham,  Tenth  Cavalry,  back. 

SUMMARY: 

First  Manila — Goals  earned,  9 ;  lost  by  penalties,  0 ;  total  score,  9. 
Hong  Kong — Goals  earned,  0;  lost  by  penalties,  0;  total  score,  0. 

On  leaving  Manila  for  the  United  States,  May  15,  1909,  it  became  necessary  to  dispose 
of  all  polo  ponies.  Among  those  disposed  of,  Black  Crook  (Captain  Paxton),  had  won  the 
first  prize,  polo  pony  Icass,  in  the  Manila  Horse  Show  both  in  1908  and  1909.  On  arriving 
at  Cairo,  Egypt,  the  Seventh  Dragoon  Guards  offered  to  furnish  mounts  and  challenged  the 
Tenth  Cavalry  team  to  a  match  game.  The  game  was  played  at  the  Gizeh  grounds  June 
24th,  a  team  being  selected  from  those  officers  who  happened  to  be  in  Cairo. 
Lineup  and  results — 

Lieutenant  Watson,  Seventh  Dragoon  Guards,  No.  1. 
Lieutenant  Schreiber,  Twentieth  Hussars,  No.  2. 
Captain  Holland,  Seventh  Dragoon  Guards,  No.  3. 
Major  Clay,  Seventh  Dragoon  Guards,  back. 

British  goals,  7. 
Lieutenant  Castleman,  No.  1. 
Lieutenant  Adair,  No.  2. 
Lieutenant  Muller,  No.  3. 
Lieutenant 'Graham,  back. 

Tenth  Cavalry  goals,  1. 

On  arriving  at  Gibraltar  the  team  hired  a  sufficient  number  of  ponies  and  accepted  a 
challenge   from   the   British   garrison.     Although   the   ponies   secured   were   extremely   poor, 
being  employed  rather  as  hunting  hacks  than  as  polo  ponies,  the  Tenth  Cavalry  team  man- 
aged to  make  the  game  fairly  interesting. 
Lineup  and  results — 

Lieutenant  Horner,  Norfolks,  -No.  1. 
Lieutenant  Russell,  Gunners,  No.  2. 
Captain  Crookson,  Bedfords,  No.  3. 
Lieutenant  Matthews,  Gunners,  back. 

British  goals,  5. 
LieutenantMuller,  No.  1. 
Lieutenant  Cook,  No.  2. 
Lieutenant  Palmer,  No.  3. 
Lieutenant  Graham,  back. 

Tenth  Cavalry  goals,  1. 
On  the  18th  of  April,  1909,  the  regiment  was  shocked  by  the  sudden  death  of  its  beloved 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  59 

commander,  Colonel  J.  A.  Augur.  It  was  thought  that  a  tradition  had  been  broken ;  here- 
tofore every  colonel  had  won  promotion  to  a  brigadier  generalcy.  But  alas,  Colonel  Augur's 
appointment  was  en  ruote  to  him  at  the  time  of  his  untimely  demise,  and  the  cablegrams 
congratulating  him  on  his  star  were  impossible  of  delivery.  Lieutenant  Colonel  G.  H.  G.  Gale 
succeeded  to  command  and  remained  as  such  until  September  23,  1909,  on  which  date  he 
was  relieved  by  Colonel  Thaddeus  W.  Jones. 

On  May  14th,  First  Squadron,  Major  Charles  H.  Grierson,  commanding,  and  on  May 
15th,  Headquarters,  Band,  and  Troops  E,  F,  G,  H,  I,  K  and  L,  Lieutenant  Colonel  G.  H.  G. 
Gale,  commanding,  left  their  respective  stations,  pursuant  to  General  Orders  No.  213,  War 
Department,  1908,  and  General  Orders,  No.  14,  Philippines  Division,  1909,  for  Marivels, 
P.  I.,  en  route  to  the  United  States. 

First  Squadron  arrived  at  Marivels  aboard  the  U.  S.  A.  T.  Liscum  and  disembarked 
about  1  :00  p.  m.  May  15th. 

Headquarters,  Band,  and  Troops  E,  F,  G,  H.  I.  K  and  L  arrived  at  Manila,  P.  I.  and 
embarked  on  the  U.  S.  A.  T.  Kilpatrick  abput  1  :00  p.  m.  May  15th,  disembarking  at 
Marivels,  P.  L,  about  4 :00  p.  m.,  same  date. 

About  1  :20  p.  m.  May  16th  the  entire  command,  Lieutenant  Colonel  G.  H.  G.  Gale, 
commanding,  embarked  on  the  U.  S.  A.  T.  Kilpatrick  en  route  to  New  York  City  via  the 
Suez  Canal,  for  station  at  Fort  Ethan  Allen,  Vermont.  Arrived  at  Singapore,  Straits 
Settlements,  May  21st.  Left  Singapore  May  24th  and  arrived  at  Colombo,  Ceylon,  May 
31st.  Left  Colombo  June  3rd  and  arrived  at  Aden,  Arabia,  June  15th.  Left  Aden  June 
]6tli  and  arrived  at  Suez,  Egypt,  June  22nd.  Left  Suez,  Egypt,  and  proceeded  through  the 
Suez  Canal  same  date,  and  arrived  at  Port  Said,  Egypt,  June  23rd.  Left  Port  Said  June 
25th  and  arrived  at  Alexandria,  Egypt,  June  26th.  Left  Alexandria  same  date  and  arrived 
at  Valletta,  Malta,  June  30th.  Left  Malta  July  2nd  and  arrived  at  Gibraltar  July  6th.  Left 
Gibraltar  July  10th  and  arrived  in  New  York  harbor  about  2 :00  a.  m.  July  25th.  Total 
distance  traveled,  10,729  miles. 

The  regiment  remained  at  New  York  until  July  27th,  participating  in  a  civil  street 
parade  on  July  26th. 

Left  New  York  July  27th  and  arrived  at  station,  Fort  Ethan  Allen,  Vermont,  about 
2 :00  a.  m.  July  28th.  Distance  traveled,  about  309  miles. 

Pursuant  to  paragraph  II,  General  Orders,  No.  137,  War  Department,  1909,  and  General 
Orders,  No.  54,  Department  of  Missouri,  1909,  Troop  M,  2nd  Lieutenant  Joseph  F.  Taulbee, 
Second  Cavalry,  commanding,  left  Fort  Riley,  Kansas,  July  15th,  en  route  to  its  station, 
Fort  Ethan  Allen,  Vermont.  Arrived  at  Fort  Ethan  Allen,  Vermont.  Arrived  at  Fort  Ethan 
Allen  July  18th.  Total  distance  traveled,  1,465  miles. 

August  7th  to  September  6th,  Machine  Gun  Platoon  and  Troops  A,  B,  C,  D,  F  and  K, 
Major  Charles  H.  Grierson,  commanding,  were  participating  in  the  Massachusetts  maneuvers. 
Total  distance  traveled,  381  miles. 

September  20th  to  October,  Machine  Gun  Platoon,  and  Troops  E,  F,  G  and  H,  Major 
George  H.  Sands,  commanding,  were  en  route  to  and  from,  and  in  camp  at  Camp  R.  S. 
Oliver,  New  York,  participating  in  the  Hudson-Fulton  celebration.  Total  distance  traveled, 
30  miles. 


FORT  HUACHUCA,  1920 

CHAPTER  VII. 
ETHAN  ALLEN  AND  HUACHUCA 

HE  first  winter  in  Ethan  Allen  was  a  long,  hard  grind,  with  guard  tours 
walked  in  blizzards,  full  pack  inspection  in  weather  that  caused  much 
comment  from  our  men,  who  had  just  come  from  the  neighborhood  of 
of  the  Equator. 

Spring,  1910,  brought  practice  marches  into  vogue,  and  the  men  soon 
came  to  know  the  beautiful  country  around  the  post.     In  July  the  entire 
regiment,  less  D  Troop,  marched  to  Pine  Camp,  N.  Y.,  and  until  August 
30  participated  in  maneuvers,  returning  by  rail  August  31. 

Several  athletic  meets  were  held,  and  advantage  was  taken  of  the  splendid  riding  hall, 
a  luxury  which  tha  regiment  had  not  enjoyed  before.  The  Machine  Gun  Platoon  won  the 
meet  held  therein  in  February,  1910;  the  riding  hall  events  were  worr  by  Troop  L,  while  in 
the  gymnasium  events  Troop  A  carried  off  the  honors.  Field  day  meets  were  held  during 
the  months  of  June  and  September,  both  being  won  by  Troop  I. 

Indoor  polo  was  taken  up,  and  in  July  a  team  met  the  West  Point  team  at  that  place, 
losing  4  to  1.  The  West  Point  team  comprised  Captains  Henry  and  Long,  Twelfth  Cavalry; 
Lieutenants  Allen  and  De  Armond,  Field  Artillery ;  Lieutenant  Zell,  Seventh  Cavalry,  and 
Lieutenant  Cooper,  Twelfth  Cavalry.  Our  team  was  composed  of  Lieutenants  Graham, 
Adair,  O'Donnell,  Colley  and  Van  Deusen. 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  61 

For  the  first  time,  the  regiment  sent  representatives  to  race  meets  for  the  army  events. 
The  results  follow: 

At  Pimlico,  Maryland,  May  28th,  Army  Service  Race,  one  mile  flat. 

Captain  Paxton's  mare,  "Martha  Jane,"  ridden  by  Lieut.  O'Donnell.     Third  place. 

At  Saratoga  Springs,  N.  Y.,  August  13th,  Army  Service  Race,  one  mile  flat. 

Captain  Paxton's  mare,  "Colored  Lady,"  ridden  by  Lieut.   Graham.     Third  place. 
At  Pimlico,  Maryland,  September  1st,  Army  Service  Race,  one  and  one-half  miles  flat. 

Lieut.  Scott's  mare,  "May  Lee,"  ridden  by  Lieut.  Whiting.     Third  place. 
At  Pimlico,  Maryland,  September  3rd,  Army  Steeplechase,  about  two  miles. 
Lieut.  Whiting's  horse,  "Graustark,"  ridden  by  Lieut.  Whiting.     Second  place. 
At  Belmont  Park,  Long  Island,  November  8th,  Army  Service  Race,  one  and  one-half 
miles  flat. 

Lieut.  Scott's  mare,  "May  Lee,"  ridden  by  Lieut.  Adair.     Second  place. 

BASEBALL 

In  the  Post  League,  consisting  of  one  team  from  each  organization,  Troop  A  stood  first. 

The  regimental  baseball  team  played  a  number  of  games  with  outside  teams  both  at 
the  post  and  in  towns  in  the  State,  winning  the  majority  of  the  games  played. 

Nineteen-eleven  saw  the  "usual  garrison  duties,"  with  the  usual  practice  marches.  In 
September  the  Inspector  General  of  the  Eastern  Division,  Lieut.  Colonel  Slocum,  took  the 
regiment  out  for  a  six-day  maneuver  around  Shelbourne  Farms,  Vermont.  General  Bliss 
camped  five  days  with  the  regiment  at  this  time. 

POST  ATHLETIC  EVENTS 

Indoor  Meet— February. 

Winner  in  the  meet,  Machine  Gun  Platoon. 
Field  Day — June. 

Winner  in  the  meet,  Troop  I. 
Field  Day — October. 

Winner  in  the  meet,  Troop  H. 

The  following  events  were  won  by  members  of  the  regiment  at  Rutland,  Vermont,  or 
Governor's  Day,  September  6th: 

Best  single  horse  work.     Prize,  cup. 

Won  by  Private  Weisiger,  Troop  H. 
Best  two-horse  work.     (Team).     Prize,  cup. 

Won  by  Privates  Strawder,  Troop  L,  and  Hoge,  Troop  1.  , 

Best  three-horse  work.    (Team).    Prize,  cup. 

Won  by  Trumpeter  Berry  and  Private  Franklin,  TroQp  A. 
Roman  Race.     (Two  horses).     Prize,  cup. 

Won  by  Private  Marts,  Troop  I. 

RACES 

The  following  races  were  run  by  horses  belonging  to  officers  of  the  regiment : 
At  Pimlico,  Maryland,  May  30th,  Officers'  Flat  Race,  one  mile : 

Lieut.  Scott's  mare,  "May  Lee,"  ridden  by  Lieut.  Adair,  first  place. 

Major  Paxton's  mare,  "Colored  Lady,"  ridden  by  Lieut.  Greene,  third  place. 
At  Brookline,  Mass.,  June  17th,  Lexington  Plate: 

Major  Paxton's  mare, '"Colored  Lady,"  ridden  by  Lieut.  Greene,  third  place. 
At  Marlboro,  Maryland,   November  4th,   Southern  Maryland   State  Fair,  flat  race, 
1  1/16  miles. 


02 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 


COLONEL  THADDEUS  W.  JONES 

Lieut.  Scott's  mare,  "May  Lee,"  ridden  by  Lieut.  Hartwell,  second  place. 
Lieut.  Henry  R.  Adair,  riding  Troop  A's  horse,  "Anco,"  won  first  prize  in  the   Inter- 
national Military  jumping  event  at  the  Montreal  Horse  Show  in  May. 

Rutland  Horse  Show,  September  3rd  and  4th,  high  jump  won  by  "Bertie,"'  Troop  F. 
Jumping  competition  won  by  "Bertie,"  Troop  F. 
Charger  class  won  by  "Jack,"  Troop  F. 
All  ridden  by  Lieutenant  Hartwell. 

BASEBALL 

In  the  Post  League,  consisting  of  one  team  from  each  organization,  the  Machine  Gun 
Platoon  stood  first. 

The  Regimental  Baseball  Team  played  a  number  of  games  with  outside  teams  both  at 
the  post  and  in  towns  in  the  State,  winning  the  majority  of  the  games  played. 

BASKET   BALL 

In  the  Post  League  for  1910-1911,  ending  February  20th,  the  Machine  Gun  Platoon  stood 
first,  having  won  all  the  games  it  played. 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  63 

A  Post  Basket  Ball  League,  consisting  of  one  team  from  each  organization,  was  organ- 
ized in  November.  At  the  end  of  the  year  Troop  A  stood  first,  having  won  all  the  games 
it  played. 

On  February  28,  1912,  Colonel  Thaddeus  W.  Jones  was  retired  after  more  than  fo.rty 
years'  service.  Colonel  John  C.  Gresham  was  assigned  April  3rd  but  did  not  join  until 
October  9th. 

The  regiment  had  two  pretentious  marches  in  1912  in  the  Connecticut  maneuver  "cam- 
paign," camping  near  Berkshire,  Conn.  This  march  covered  550  miles. 

Major  W.  A.  Holbrook  took  the  Third  Squadron  and  Band  to  participate  in  the  Rutland 
Agricultural  Fair  September  3-5. 

In  October  the  First  Squadron  and  Band  helped  dedicate  the  Saratoga  battle  monument 
at  Schuylerville,  N.  Y. 

Continued  interest  was  maintained  in  sports,  as  shown  by  the  following : 
Indoor  Meet — February. 

Winner  in  meet,  Machine  Gun  Platoon. 
Athletic  Meet— May. 

Winner  in  the  meet,  Troop  A. 

RACES 

The  following  races  were  run  by  horses  belonging  to  officers  of  the  regiment : 

At  Bennings,  D.  C.,  May,   1912,  Remount  Steeple  Chase,  Lieutenant  Whiting's  "Fico,'' 

ridden  by  Lieut.  Whiting,  finished  unplaced. 

At  Bennings,  D.  C.,  May,  1912,  Captain  Wallach's  horse,  "Steptoe,"  ridden  by  Captain 

Wallach,  and  Lieutenant  Whiting  riding  Troop  C's  horse,  "Colorado,"  finished  unplaced 

in  the  fourteen-mile  service  test. 

At  the  National  Horse  Show,  Madison  Square  Garden,  November  20,  1912,  Lieutenant 

Whiting's  "Fico,"  ridden  by  Lieutenant  Adair,  won  first  place  in  the  broad  water  jump. 

BASEBALL 

In  the  Post  League,  consisting  of  one  team  from  each  organization,  Troop  A  stood  first. 

BASKETBALL 

In  Ihe  Post  League  for  1911-1912,  ending  March  18,  1912,  Troop  A  stood  first,  having 
won  all  the  games  it  played. 

A  Post  Basketball  League,  consisting  one  one  team  from  each  organization,  was  organ- 
ized in  November.  At  the  end  of  the  year  Troops  A  and  E  and  Machine  Gun  Platoon  were 
tied  for  first  place. 

In  June,  1913,  the  regiment  left  for  Winchester,  Va.,  under  command  of  Colonel  J.  C. 
Gresham.  It  arrived  July  19th  after  a  march  of  720  miles,  and  camped  until  September  29 
at  the  Cavalry  Camp  of  Instruction.  The  Cavalry  Brigade  did  much  drilling,  marching  and 
peace-time  campaigning.  On  September  30  a  move  was  made  to  Fort  Myer,  Va.,  where 
the  Cavalry  Brigade  drilled  some  more  and  worked  out  the  Tentative  Drill  Regulations. 
On  the  7th  of  October  the  regiment  drilled  at  Potomac  Park  for  two  hours  and  a  half  for 
the  edification  of  the  War  Department.  Again  on  October  9  the  Brigade  "Stunted"  for  the 
President,  the  Secretary  of  War,  the  Chief  of  Staff  and  members  of  Congress. 

On  October  11  the  regiment  entrained  at  Roslyn,  Va.,  and  next  day  was  back  again  at 
Ethan  Allen. 

The  regiment  lived  in  peace  and  quiet  until   November,  when  rumors  grew  to  a  cer- 


64 

tainty,  and  the  orders  arrived  placing  the  Tenth  back  in  the  Arizona  sector,  to  practically 
the  same  old  water  holes  guarded  so  zealously  way  hack  in  the  80's. 

Troop  L,  under  Captain  O.  P.  Hazzard,  was  the  first  to  leave ;  it  departed  November 
27  and  arrived  at  Fort  Apache  December  6,  1913.  Fort  Ethan  Allen  was  evacuated  by  the 
regiment  on  December  5,  en  route  for  Fort  Huachuca,  via  the  Transport  Kilpatrick  at 
Weehawken.  Galvcston,  Lewis  Springs,  Buena  and  Overton.  Huachuca  was  reached  on 
December  19th,  and  the  regiment  found  itself  a  permanent  home,  or  at  least  a  home  station. 
The  Mexican  border  was  in  a  more  than  usual  turmoil,  so  five  troops  were  sent  out  at 
once  for  stations.  Troop  E  went  to  Naco,  G,  H  and  M  to  Nogales,  K  to  Forrest.  A  de- 
tachment from  A  troop  was  put  at  Yuma. 

Colonel  Daniel  H.  Boughton  was  attached  to  the  regiment,  and  joined  July  22,   1914. 
He  commanded  from  August  1st  to  llth.     Unfortunately  he  died  August  24,  1914. 
Colonel  W.  C.  Brown  was  assigned  September  2nd  and  joined  six  days  later. 
The  border  stations  were  not  at  all  attractive.     The  poor  little  shacks  and  'dobes  were 
eagerly  sought  for  by  officers  and  their  wives.     Naco  was  about  as  it  is  now,  only  more 
so.     The  usual  border  patrols   were   made  along  the  line,   enforcing  neutrality,  and   keep 
ing  down  gun-running.     Every  troop,  during  1914,  had  a  tour  at  Naco;  Nogales  was  garri- 
soned by  Troops  A,  E,  G,  H,  M  and  the  Machine  Gun   Platoon  at  different  times  during 
1914.     C  troop  was  at  Yuma  April  23rd  to  September  6th;  K  and  D  took  care  of  Forrest 
and  Osborne. 

The   siege   of   Naco,   between   the   Constitutionalistas   and    Carrancistas,   under    General 
Benjamin  Hill  and  General  Maytorena,  was  being  fought  out  in   October,  and  our  Head 
quarters  moved  there  October  7th. 

An  aerial   observer  would  have   had   difficulty  picking  out   which   side   was   defending. 
At  times  it  looked  like  a  three-cornered  fight  was   due.     Our  men  were  in   trenches   and 
rifle  pits  all  along  the  line,  with  machine  guns  all  set  for  action.    The  Mexicans  fought  with 
their  customary   "sang   froid,"   and  enjoyed   themselves  potshooting   across   the   line.     The 
Ninth  Cavalry  was  stationed  also  in  camp  at  Naco,  and  they  as  well  as  we,  suffered  casualties 
from  the  promiscuous  shooting  of  the  warring  factions.     Luckily  for  us,  we  had  but  eight 
men  wounded.     The  Ninth  had  some  killed  and  wounded.     The  following  of  "ours"  were 
Private  Howard  Wilson,  Troop  G,  October  4th,  shot  through  body,  serious.     Re- 
covered. 

Private  Leroy  Bradford,  Troop  B,  October  6th,  shot  through  body,  serious.     Dis- 
charged on  surgeon's  certificate  of  disability  as  result  of  wound. 
Sergeant  Nathan  Stich,  Machine  Gun  Troop,  (Troop  M),  October  17th,  flesh  wound, 

hip,  slight.     Recovered.    . 
Cook  George  J.  Henson,  Troop  D,  November  18th,  back  of  knee,  flesh  wound,  slight. 

Recovered. 
Cassious  Clay,  private,  Troop  B,   November  27th,  right  wrist,  flesh  wound,  slight. 

Recovered. 

Private  John  W.  Miller,  Troop  H,  December  4th,  flesh  wound  four  inches  below 
groin.  Moderate  severe.  Discharged  on  surgeon's  certificate  of  disability  as 
result  of  wound. 

Sergeant  Charles  Smart.  Troop  H,  December  6th,  left  toes,  slight.     Recovered. 
Private  Walter  Patterson,   Machine   Gun  Troop    (Troop  A),   December   7th,   flesh 
wound  left  leg,  slight.    Recovered. 


65 

During  this  siege  a  number  of  horses  and  mules  pertaining  to  the  regiment  were  shot 
from  stray  bullets  and  killed. 

The  town  of  Naco  suffered  more  or  less  from  the  artillery  fire  of  the  besiegers,  several 
houses  being  pierced  by  shells,  and  buildings  near  the  "line"'  still  bear  the  marks  of  many 
stray  bullets.  Great  difficulty  was  had  in  holding  back  the  crowds  of  visitors  from  Bisbee 
and  Douglas  who  flocked  to  see  the  "battles,"  in  automobiles,wagons  and  horseback. 

The  provocation  to  retaliate  on  the  Mexicans  for  the  losses  sustained  while  on  duty 
which  forbade  them  to  return  the  fire,  was  at  times  almost  overpowering.  Our  men  could 
draw  small  comfort  from  the  delightful  apologies  submitted  to  our  commanding  officers  for 
the  killing  and  wounding  of  their  comrades,  always  accompanied  by  promises  that  no  more 
shooting  would  occur.  Finally  the  "siege"'  drew  to  a  close,  and  the  troops  were  given  a  rest 
and  a  chance  to  see  what  Huachuca  looked  like.  Some  of  the  men,  after  ten  months'  service 
on  the  border,  had  not  yet  seen  their  home  station. 

The  President  was  moved  to  compliment  the  regiment  on  its  conduct  at  Naco,  in  a 
letter  to  the  regimental  commander. 

"War  Department,  Washington,  April  7,  1915. 
"The  Commanding  Officer, 

"Tenth  U.  S.  Cavalry, 

"Fort  Huachuca,  Arizona. 
"Dear  Sir : 

"By  direction  of  the  President,  I  take  great  pleasure  in  expressing  to  the  officers  and 
enlisted  men  of  the  Tenth  Cavalry  his  appreciation  of  their  splendid  conduct  and  efficient 
service  in  the  enforcement  of  the  United  States  neutrality  laws  at  Naco,  Arizona,  during 
November,  December  and  January,  last. 

"Very  respectfully, 
(Signed)   "LINDLEY  M.  GARRISON, 

"Secretary  of  War." 

Nineteen-fifteen  saw  a  repetition  of  the  work  of  1914.  The  troops  rotated  on  their  tours 
at  Naco,  Nogales  and  Lochiel.  There  were  sub-stations  at  Harrison's  Ranch,  in  the  Pata- 
gonia Range,  and  at  Arivaca,  Sasabe,  La  Osa,  San  Fernando  soon  became  well  known  to 
our  patrols.  There  was  always  a  chance  for  a  skirmish  with  the  bandits  and  rebels  from 
across  the  line,  which  was  quite  satisfactory. 

On  November  21st  two  privates  of  Troop  F,  on  observation  post  near  Monument  117, 
were  fired  on  by  Mexicans,  and  Private  Willie  Norman  was  wounded.  On  November  22nd 
five  armed  Mexicans  rode  into  camp  at  Santa  Cruz  River  and  fired  upon  a  detachment  of 
of  Troop  F,  who  replied  with  pistol  fire.  Mexican  casualties  believed  to  be  two.  On 
November  25th  Mexicans  crossed  the  line  and  attacked  an  outpost  of  Troop  F  at  hill 
opposite  Mascarena's  Ranch ;  one  Mexican  wounded  and  made  prisoner.  On  November 
25th  part  of  Troop  F  occupied  the  western  outskirts  of  the  town  of  Nogales,  Arizona, 
during  the  seige  of  Nogales,  Sonora,  by  Carranza  forces  and  were  fired  on  by  Carranzistas 
from  Arizpe  Hill,  Nogales,  Sonora,  to  which  fire  the  troops  replied,  killing  two  and  wounding 
others  of  the  Carranza  forces. 

Troop  H  was  under  fire  of  contending  Mexican  forces  during  siege  of  Nogales,  Sonora. 
November  26th.  No  casualties. 

Troop  K,  at  Lochiel,  Arizona,  encountered  a  band  of  Mexican  soldiers  who  had  come 
across  the  boundary  on  August  22nd,  rounded  up  some  cattle  near  the  line  and  was  attempting 
to  herd  them  across  to  the  Mexican  side  of  the  line.  This  was  prevented  by  the  prompt 
action  of  patrols,  who  exchanged  about  100  shots  with  Mexican  forces.  No  casualties. 


66  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

Troops  B,  E,  G  and  M,  under  command  of  Colonel  Brown,  were  at  Douglas,  Arizona, 
November  3rd  and  4th,  during  the  siege  of  Agua  Prieta,  Mexico. 

Troops  A,  B,  D,  E,  M  and  G,  under  command  of  Colonel  Brown,  rejoined  post  from 
Naco  on  November  24th,  and  proceeded  on  November  25th  to  Nogales,  Arizona,  arriving 
there  just  after  the  siege  of  Nogales,  Sonora,  on  November  25th,  although  Colonel  Brown, 
having  preceeded  the  command,  arrived  when  the  engagement  was  half  finished,  assumed 
and  retained  command  until  the  arrival  of  Brigadier  General  Geo.  Bell  the  following  morning. 

The  regiment,  except  Troops  K  and  L,  was  inspected  by  the  brigade  commander, 
Colonel  Dodd,  December  29th  and  30th,  who  reported :  "This  command  seems  to  be  in 
excellent  working  condition  *  *  *  *  officers  are  very  active  and  much  alive  to  the  interest 
and  efficiency  of  the  regiment." 

Sergeant  Ernest  S.  Washington,  Troop  G,  graduated  at  the  head  of  the  Non-Com- 
missioned  Officers'  Class  at  the  Mounted  Service  School  and  was  highly  commended  by 
the  commandant  of  the  school. 

During  the  summer  months  systematic  instruction  to  enlisted  men  in  swimming  was 
given,  and  an  average  of  about  forty-three  men  per  troop  taught  to  swim  for  short  distances. 

During  August  a  team  of  selected  men  and  horses  from  the  Cavalry  Division  was 
assembled  at  Fort  Huachuca  and  trained  under  the  supervision  of  Captain  Babcock,  Tenth 
Cavalry.  It  took  part  in  the  Horse  Show  at  the  Panama- Pacific  Exposition,  and  won  57 
of  the  prizes  awarded,  and  $1,165.00  in  cash  prizes. 

During  September  and  October  instruction  in  lire  control  and  approved  methods  of 
advancing  to  the  attack  was  held  under  Lieut.  Colonel  Cabell.  The  results  of  the  final 
problem,  having  been  submitted  for  the  criticism  of  the  School  of  Musketry,  brought  forth 
a  very  handsome  compliment  to  the  effect  that  "this  regiment  is  to  be  congratulated  upon 
attaining  the  state  of  training  which  permitted  it  to  attain  such  excellent  results." 

During  August,  September  and  October,  Regimental  Sergeant  Major  Frierson  established 
a  School  for  Clerks  with  Regimental  and  Squadron  N.  C.  O.  staff  officers  as  issistant  in- 
structors, namely :  Reg.  Q.  M.  Sgt.  Hugh  C.  Scott,  Reg.  Com.  Sgt.  William  W.  Thompson, 
Sqdn.  Sgt.  Maj.  James  F.  Booker,  Sqdn,  Sgt.  Maj.  William  F.  Scott. 

The  Department  Inspector  in  his  report  of  the  Annual  Inspection  of  the  regiment  re- 
ported :  "The  Tenth  Cavalry  is  in  excellent  condition  as  regards  to  training  and  equipment." 
He  also  commended  Captain  Hazzard,  commanding  at  Fort  Apache,  for  "zeal  and  efficiency 
in  keeping  up  the  post  with  a  depleted  garrison." 


off 


CHAPTER  VIII. 
THE  PUNITIVE  EXPEDITION 

EXT  books  and  manuals  treating  of  cavalry  operations  frequently  allude 
to  "living  on  the  country"  and  acting  as  independent  cavalry,  but  it  is 
rare  that  our  cavalry  has  actually  but  put  to  such  a  test.  This,  however, 
did  occur  with  the  Tenth  Cavalry  in  the  Punitive  Expedition  from 
March  20th  to  April  20th,  1916.  It  was,  with  the  exception  of  two 
days'  rations  carried  in  the  saddle  bags,  practically  without  one  mouthful 
of  government  rations,  a  grain  or  spear  of  government  forage,  or  a  cent 
of  government  money,  and  there  had  been  no  picking  of  men  or  horses  for  the  trip. 

On  March  8,  1916,  the  country  was  startled  by  the  raiding  of  Columbus,  New  Mexico, 
by  a  strong  party  of  Villistas,  led  by  the  famous  Pancho  himself.  Numbers  of  buildings 
were  wrecked  or  burned,  and  in  spite  of  gallant  resistance  of  the  Thirteenth  Cavalry,  which 
was  surprised,  severe  casualties  occurred  among  the  civilian  population  and  the  troopers. 
The  Villistas  were  driven  off  and  pursued  by  several  troops  of  the  Thirteenth.  Scores  of 
dead  and  wounded  Villistas  in  and  around  Columbus  and  on  their  trail  southward  testified 
to  the  ferocity  of  the  engagement. 

About  11:30  a.  m.  March  9th,  the  regimental  commander,  Colonel  W.  C.  Brown,  and 
Adjutant  Captain  S.  McP.  Rutherford  were  going  over  routine  work  in  the  old  amusement 
room  that  served  as  an  office,  when  the  telephone  rang  and  the  hard  working  adjutant 
picked  up  the  receiver  with  a  bored  expression  which  soon  changed  to  one  of  intense  interest 
as  he  called  back :  "Call  up  Douglas  and  see  if  you  can  get  any  further  details" ;  then  turning 
to  the  commanding  officer  he  said :  "Colonel,  the  telegraph  operator  phones  that  an  Asso- 
ciated Press  dispatch  has  just  gone  over  the  wires  saying  that  Villa  attacked  Columbus 
early  this  morning,  burned  half  the  town,  and  killed  a  lot  of  civilians  and  solders."  It  was 


68  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

now  the  commanding  officer's  turn  to  wake  up,  and  he  ordered :  ''Get  that  word  around 
to  troop  commanders  at  once  and  tell  them  to  hold  their  troops  in  readiness  for  orders," 
adding,  "We'll  get  them  soon  enough."  These  came  about  thirty  minutes  later  from  Cavalry 
Brigade  Headquarters  at  Douglas,  directing  that  the  command  proceed  to  Douglas  at  once 
equipped  for  field  service. 

The  wheels  were  thus  set  to  turning  in  earnest.  The  entire  command,  less  Troops 
L,  M  and  the  Band,  started  at  4  p.  m.,  equipped  for  the  field  with  equipment  "A"  and  two 
wagons  per  troop,  and  with  the  regimental  pack  train,  for  which  last  they  were  in  the  next 
four  months  to  thank  the  guardian  angel  of  the  Tenth  Cavalry.  The  regiment  was  escorted 
to  the  limits  of  the  post  by  the  band  and  by  a  following  of  the  non-combatants  who  were 
left  behind.  Little  did  they  know  at  this  time  that  the  regiment  would  not  return  for  a 
year,  and  some  of  its  members — never ! 

The  War  Department  and  Congress  were  for  once  in  complete  accord  regarding  an 
expedition  to  follow  the  bandits  into  Mexico,  and  bring  back  "Villa,  dead  or  alive."  General 
Pershing  was  named  Commanding  General  of  the  Punitive  Expedition,  to  the  delight  of 
the  Tenth.  Little  time  was  lost  organizing  the  columns  for  their  chase  into  Chihuahua. 

Culberson's  Ranch,  New  Mexico,  was  designated  as  the  rendezvous  for  the  Second 
Cavalry  Brigade,  to  consist  of  the  Seventh  Cavalry,  Tenth  Cavalry,  and  Battery  B  of  the 
Sixth  Field  Artillery.  That  night  the  regiment  made  the  first  camp  at  Hereford,  twenty- 
five  miles  out.  Culberson's  ranch  was  readied  on  March  13th,  via  Douglas,  Forrest, 
Slaughter's  Ranch  and  Hood's  Ranch,  picking  up  Troops  D  and  G  en  route. 

The  14th  and  15th  was  spent  in  getting  rid  of  most  of  the  equipment  brought  along. 
Everybody  was  to  travel  "very  light."  With  Villa's  trail  a  week  old,  and  getting  colder 
every  hour,  there  were  wiseacres  who  predicted  that  the  expedition  would  never  even  get 
in  touch,  with  his  band,  much  less  catch  him  in  his  chosen  haunts  among  the  mountains  of 
Chihuahua.  Much  remained  to  be  seen.  It  was  the  Cavalry's  "day  out." 

Even  at  Douglas  men  did  not  know  what  was '  the  ultimate  destination,  which  was 
safeguarded  with  more  than  customary  success.  The  brigade  commander  could  not  state 
positively  whether  it  was  intended  fo  cross  the  line,  although  he  felt  ver5r  sure  that  it 
would  be  done. 

Naturally  each  troop  quartermaster  sergeant  had  loaded  his  troop  wagons  with  more 
plunder  than  Noah  would  have  carried,  and  equally  naturally  they  almost  wept  when  they 
saw  it  remorselessly  thrown  over  and  stored  at  Douglas.  The  space  on  the  wagons  thus 
made  was  filled  with  extra  ammunition  of  which  the  regiment  had  all  too  little  for  a  long 
campaign.  At  this  place  Captain  C.  B.  Babcock  was  taken  seriously  ill  with  appendicitis 
and  was  left  behind  to  undergo  an  operation. 

Lieut.  Colonel  D.  R.  Cabell  was  also  detached  here  under  orders  to  report  as  Chief  of 
Staff  to  General  Pershing. 

On  March  15th  the  following  orders  issued  in  quick  succession: 

HEADQUARTERS    SECOND    CAVALRY    BRIGADE. 

Culberson's,  N.  M.,  March  15,  1916. 
Field  Orders, 
No.  1. 

1.  This  command  will  be  prepared  to  move  at  once  on  the  receipt  of  orders. 

2.  Pack    transportation   only    will   be    used.      Five    days'    rations    will    be    carried.      All 
ammunition  and  forage  for  which  transportation  is  available  will  be  carried. 

3.  The  guard  to  be  left  in  this  camp  will  consist  of  dismounted  men  only.     All  trans- 
portation and  stores  left  in  this  camp  will,  on  the  departure  of  the  command,  be  assembled 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 


69 


m  the  vicinity  of  the  present  Brigade  Headquarters.     An  officer  to  command  the  dismounted 
guard  will  be  designated  by  the  commanding  officer,  Tenth  Cavalry. 
By  order  of  Colonel  Dodd : 

E.  W.  EVANS, 

Major,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Adjutant. 
Copies  furnished : 

Co.  Tenth  Cavalry. 
Co.  Seventh  Cavalry. 
Co.  Baty.  B,  6th  F.  A. 


Field  Orders, 
No.  2. 

Advance  Guard. 

Troops  A  and  B, 

7th  Cav. 

Lt.    Col.   Tompkins, 
Commanding. 
Main  Body. 

Colonel  Dodd, 
Commanding. 

7th  Cav.  less  3  troops ; 

10th   Cav.   less   4  troops. 

Batty  B,  6th  F.  A. 

Battery  Guard. 
1   Tp.  10th  Cav. 

Rear  Guard. 
1   Tp.  10th  Cav. 


HEADQUARTERS    SECOND    CAVALRY    BRIGADE. 

Slaughter's  Ranch,   New  Mexico,  March  15,   1916. 

1.  The  location  of  the  enemy  is  unknown. 

2.  Some  of  our  troops  have  crossed  the  line  into  Mexico  in 
the   vicinity   of    Columbus,    New    Mexico.      This    command    will 
proceed  at  12 :30  a.  m.  March   16th  in  an  endeavor  to  meet  the 
enemy. 

3.  (a)     The  advance  guard  will  leave  their  camp  at   12:30 
a.  m.  March  16th. 

(b)     The    main   body   will    follow    the    advance   guard    at    a 
distance  of  five  hundred  yards. 

4.  The    outpost    will    be    relieved    as    the    command    passes, 
joining  the  organization  to  which  they  pertain. 

5.  The   pack  trains   will    follow   immediately   in   rear   of  the 
command. 

6.  The   hospital  ambulances  with   sanitary  wagons   will   fol- 
low in  rear  of  the  regiments  to  which  attached. 

7.  The  commanding  officer,  .Tenth  Cavalry,  will  supply  a  rear 
guard  of  one  troop,  which  will  march  in  rear  of  the  pack  trains 
at  a  distance  of  SO  yards. 

8.  The  commanding  officer  will  be  found  at  the  head  of  the 
main  boclv. 


By  order  of  Colonel  Dodd : 


E.  W.  EVANS, 

Major,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Adjutant. 


Copies  furnished : 

Comdg.  Genl.  P.  E.  U.  S.  A. 
Regimental  Comdrs. 
Commander  of  Artillery. 

At  1 :15  a.  m.  March  16th,  the  command  crossed  the  line  south  of  Culberson's  Ranch, 
and  was  fully  committed  to  the  task.  There  was  no  moon  and  the  night  was  bitterly  cold ; 
the  road  was  choked  with  clouds  of  white  alkali  dust  that  obscured  everything  so  that  the 
pack  train  got  lost  in  the  darkness  and  did  not  rejoin  the  column  until  it  had  camped  at 
Carriza  Springs  about  6  a.  m.,  where  a  little  water  was  found.  Page  one  of  the  War 
Diary  shows  that  the  command  halted  at  6  a.  m.,  to  water,  groom  and  feed,  resuming  the 
march  at  noon.  Three  day's  rations  was  carried  on  saddle.  By  6:30  p.  m.,  Ojitas  was 
reached,  fifty-eight  miles  from  Culberson's. 

In  view  of  the  experiences  of  the  next  four  months  it  will  perhaps  be  interesting  to 
know  that  at  Culberson's  Ranch  the  wagons  were  ordered  to  proceed  to  Columbus,  and  that 
before  leaving  the  wagons,  all  the  curb  bits  were  removed  and  packed  and  left  with  the 
wagons,  as  were  also  the  overcoats  and  other  bulky  articles  of  clothing  and  equipment, 


70  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

and  on  the  subsequent  hard  marches  it  was  often  wished  that  the  sabers  had  likewise  been 
dropped.  There  were  no  cooking  utensils  except  five  nested  sheet  iron  buckets  that  by  a 
fortunate  mistake  on  the  part  of  someone  were  packed  on  the  pack  train. 

Colonia  Dublan  was  reached  the  next  day  after  a  hard  march  of  fifty-two  miles  over 
rough  trails.  Several  horses  fell  behind,  but  the  stragglers  all  arrived  by  late  in  the  night. 
The  18th  was  spent  in  camp  near  Colonia  Dublan  on  El  Rio  Casas  Grandes.  This  camp 
was  made  in  the  dark  in  a  great  field  of  dry  grass  that  was  nearly  four  feet  high  and  so 
dry  that  the  troop  commanders  did  not  dare  to  allow  a  fire.  The  men  were  so  tired  and 
sleepy  that  no  one  dared  take  a  chance  of  a  grass  fire  that  would  certainly  stampede  the 
horses.  Accordingly  camp  was  made  on  the  bank  of  a  stream.  The  rest  of  the  three  days' 
grain  carried  on  saddles  was  consumed  this  date.  The  three  days'  ration  of  bacon  carried 
on  the  pack  train  was  turned  over  to  the  Seventh  Cavalry  who  were  moving  south  that 
night,  and  from  this  date  until  April  20th  no  government  chow  was  forthcoming.  (Efforts 
were  made  later  to  allow  the  organizations  to  get  ration  credits  for  their  abstinence ;  with- 
out avail.  Naturally.) 

On  the  19th,  the  unfit  men  and  horses  of  the  First  and  Second  Squadrons  were  left  at 
Colonia  Dublan  with  Troops  I  and  K.  The  squadrons  proper  entrained  for  points  south 
on  the  M.  N.  W.  R.  R.  (See  Appendix  "F.")  The  train  for  the  two  squadrons  arrived 
about  10  a.  m.,  and  from  the  assortment  of  rolling  stock  available  it  was  found  that  twenty- 
five  box  and  cattle  cars  and  three  flat  cars  were  either  barely  serviceable  or  could  be  made  bo. 
This  would  transport  the  First  and  Second  Squadrons,  Machine  Gun  Troop  and  Pack  Train 
only,  leaving  I  and  M  troops  behind.  One  locomotive  only  was  on  hand. 

Previous  occupants  of  many  of  the  cars  had  deliberately  built  fires  on  the  floors  so 
that  holes  two  feet  or  more  in  diameter  had  burned  through  and  had  to  be  patched  over. 
Box  cars  had  to  have  ventilators  cut  in  the  ends  before  the  animals  could  be  loaded.  Doors 
»n  some  cases  being  missing  had  to  be  replaced  by  nailing  boards  across  the  open  spaces. 

The  conductor  and  engineer  spoke  no  English,  and  talk  with  them  was  only  through 
the  interpreter.  To  effect  repairs,  camp  hatchets,  a  few  axes  and  a  couple  of  saws  only 
were  available. 

By  5  p.  m.,  however,  the  squadrons  were  loaded,  and  left  at  5  :30  p.  m.,  with  the  animals 
in  the  cattle  and  box  cars,  impediamenta  and  as  many  men  as  could  stick  on  them  on  the 
flat  cars,  while  the  remainder  rode  on  the  car  roofs  where  they  were  barricaded  from  a 
possible  fall  by  bales  of  hay  along  the  edge  of  the  roofs.  They  traveled  in  truly  Mexican 
style. 

While  loading,  it  was  discovered  that  there  was  no  fuel  for  the  wood -burning  engine, 
so  a  part  of  the  corral — for  which  the  government  later  paid  $1,900.00 — was  loaded  on  the 
tender.  The  conductor  intended  to  stop  at  Casas  Grandes  for  more  fuel  and  water,  but 
reflecting  that  the  natives  there  were  probably  hostile,  concluded  to  go  on  to  Don  Luis 
where  everybody  turned  out  and  loaded  fuel  from  another  corral.  Five  times  in  ten  hours 
the  engine  ran  out  of  either  water  or  fuel  and  troops  had  to  detrain  and  "rustle"  for 
telegraph  poles,  mesquite,  old  ties,  parts  of  corrals  and  anything  else  that  would  burn. 
One  man  would  have  been  left  in  his  search  for  fuel  but  he  was  a  good  sprinter  and  easily 
caught  up  with  the  train. 

At  Kilometer  No.  282,  No.  41  American  airplane  was  found  wrecked,  and  from  data 
thereon  it  was  discovered  that  the  pilot  had  been  R.  H.  Willis,  Jr.  The  engine  having 
stalled  here,  the  train  was  parted  and  the  First  Squadron  sent  two  miles  further  south  to 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  71 

Rucio,  the  engine  returning  for  the  remainder  of  the  train.  In  seventeen  hours  after 
leaving  Colonia  Dublan  the  train,  by  most  strenuous  efforts,  had  made  twenty-seven  miles. 

Colonel  Brown  took  the  Second  Squadron  and  the  Machine  Gun  Troop,  detrained  at 
El  Rucio  and  camped  in  the  mountains  twenty-four  miles  away,  en  route  to  San  Miguel. 
Major  Evans  with  the  First  Squadron  continued  the  rail  trip  southward.  The  "foraging" 
brought  beef  and  corn.  San  Miguel  was  reached,  but  the  expected  meeting  with  Villa  was 
postponed.  It  was  the  usual  type  of  Mexican  ranch ;  a  huge  central  building  of  stone  and 
adobe.  All  the  rooms  opened  on  a  central  patio,  doors  occasionally  loop-holed  for  rifle 
fire,  and  a  high  breast  wall  so  placed  that  the  establishment  could  be  defended  if  necessary. 
A  few  yards  from  the  central  building  a  stone  wall  surrounded  the  corral  so  that  it,  too, 
could  be  defended  from  the  house. 

Not  only  were  no  signs  of  Villa  discovered,  but  he  evidently  had  not  been  near  here, 
though  the  man  in  charge  of  the  ranch  reported  that  Villa  had  been  in  the  vicinity  of 
El  Valle  on  the  Sunday  preceding. 

On  the  23rd,  at  El  Toro,  the  First  Squadron  joined  Headquarters.  Theirs  had  not 
only  been  a  fruitless  chase,  but  their  train  had  been  wrecked,  injuring  about  sixteen  men 
of  Troops  A  and  B.  The  next  camp  was  at  La  Osa,  via  Namiquipa.  A  Mexican  cavalry 
regiment  joined  the  column  at  Namiquipa  to  cooperate,  but  these  turned  back  after  a  short 
stay.  They  had  a  hunch. 

Lieutenant  Nicholson,  Seventh  Cavalry,  came  into  camp  carrying  dispatches,  and 
unfortunately  had  taken  from  their  bearers  and  brought  back  to  the  commanding  officer 
Tenth  Cavalry,  two  dispatches  which  had  been  sent  out  by  the  latter.  Weather  warm  in 
day  time,  but  ice  a  quarter  inch  thick  on  streams  at  night. 

Viewed  in  the  light  of  subsequent  events  it  is  probably  a  fact  that  too  much  confidence 
was  placed  in  the  so-called  Carrancista  forces  cooperating  with  the  expedition.  Villa, 
bandit  though  he  was,  had  many  qualities  which'  made  him  a  hero  in  the  eyes  of  the 
Mexican  peon.  The  rapid  advance  into  Mexico  and  sudden  appearance  at  their  very  doors 
with  troops,  mounted,  armed  and  equipped  in  a  manner  which  few  of  these  people  had 
ever  seen,  probably  dumfounded  them  and  created  in  their  simple  minds  a  feeling  that 
against  this  Colossus  of  the  North  they  must  make  common  cause,  and,  while  ostensibly 
friendly,  were  actually  shielding  Villa. 

On  the  27th  information  was  received  that  Villistas  occupied  Sta.  Catarina  Ranch  a 
few  miles  eastward  of  La  Osa.  Starting  at  3 :30  a.  m.  on  the  28th,  a  fine  surprise  attack 
was  delivered,  but  as  no  resistance  was  offered,  something  was  wrong.  Villistas  the 
inhabitants  undoubtedly  were,  but  proof  was  lacking.  Information  was  given,  however, 
that  he  surely  was  to  be  found  at  Rubio.  At  Quemada,  en  route,  it  was  learned  that  Villa 
and  a  large  command  had  passed  through  there  but  three  days  previous.  Several  Thirteenth 
Cavalry  horses  captured  at  Columbus  were  picked  up  here,  having  been  ridden  nearly  to 
death  by  the  fleeing  bandits. 

The  inhabitants  of  Quemada  were  manifestly  unfriendly ;  available  provisions  and  forage 
were  hidden  away  upon  the  approach  of  our  troops  and  the  announcement  made  that  there 
was  none  to  be  had  anywhere.  San  Diego  del  Monte  was  the  next  camp.  A  severe  snow 
storm  on  the  31st  caused  great  suffering.  On  April  1st  the  First  Squadron  was  left  behind 
at  San  Diego  del  Monte,  the  other  troops  marching  to  Aguas  Calientes.  Here  the  first 
engagement  was  had. 

The  advance  guard   surprised   the   Villistas,   ISO   strong,   under   a   chief   named   Beltran. 


72  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

A  dismounted  fight  ensued  resulting  in  their  retreat  to  a  wooded  ridge  in  ihe  rear  of  the 
settlement.  Under  cover  of  the  overhead  fire  of  the  Machine  Gun  Troop,  Troops  F  and  H 
assaulted  the  ridge,  and  drove  the  band  off  in  confusion.  A  running  fight  of  seven  miles 
ensued,  when  night  fell.  The  horses  were  in  such  poor  shape  that  there  was  no  chance 
to  overtake  the  bandits,  who  were  provided  with  fresh  mounts.  Three  Villistas  were  killed 
and  several  captured.  They  abandoned  a  machine  gun  pack  outfit  in  their  flight.  Although 
the  trail  was  picked  up  early  next  morning,  and  followed  for  two  days,  it  soon  became 
impossible  to  follow,  the  bandits  scattering  in  ones  and  two  in  many  different  directions. 
(See  Appendix  "G.")  San  Antonio  was  reached  on  the  3rd  of  April.  The  question  of  lack 
of  funds  had  now  become  serious.  The  securing  of  supplies  by  means  of  receipts  was 
clearly  not  a  workable  arrangement,  and  sooner  or  later  was  likely  to  bring  on  open 
hostilities  with  the  civilian  population.  A  Cusi  citizen  described  the  receipt  method  as 
follows : 

"You  Americans  pay  for  food  all  right,  but  you  give  receipts  only.  Now  you  buy  a 
cow  from  a  man  who  lives  a  hundred  miles  from  any  railroad.  Even  if  that  railroad  were 
operating,  it  would  be  six  months  before  he  gets  his  mail.  You  take  that  cow  and  you 
kill  it  and  give  him  a  receipt.  He  mails  that  receipt  to  the  quartermaster  at  San  Antonio 
in  Texas.  It  takes,  maybe,  six  months  for  it  to  get  there,  if  it  gets  there  at  all.  When 
the  quartermaster  gets  it,  he  cannot  pay  for  it.  He  returns  duplicate  vouchers  to  be  signed. 
They  take  another  six  months  to  reach  the  man,  and  then  he  cannot  write  and  cannot  read 
English.  If  he  can  do  all  of  these  and  signs  in  the  proper  place — even  then  he  gets,  about 
eighteen  months  later,  a  check  that  he  cannot  cash." 

Here  the  regiment  learned  that  the  Seventh  Cavalry  had  had  a  big  fight  with  Villistas 
at  Guerrero  on  the  29th  day  of  March.  Villa,  severely  wounded  in  the  leg,  had  left  the 
place  the  night  before  the  attack.  He  had  been  shot  by  some  natives  impressed  into  his 
service. 

On  the  6th  orders  arrived  via  airplane  directing  a  move  on  Parral,  with  a  view  to 
cutting  off  Villa's  retreat  through  that  place.  It  was  said  that  Villa  was  carried  on  a 
stretcher  and  by  carriage.  (See  Appendix  "B.")  The  march  was  taken  up  through 
Cusihuirachic,  where  much  needed  supplies  were  secured  from  the  mining  company  there. 
Carranza  soldiers  were  attached  as  scouts  and  guides.  La  Joya  was  reached  via  Cieneguita 
on  the  7th.  An  informer  brought  the  news  that  Pablo  Lopez,  a  lieutenant  of  Villa's,  was 
hidden  in  the  town.  Arrangements  were  made  to  seize  him,  but  at  the  last  minute  the 
informer  disappeared,  and  in  the  darkness  it  was  not  possible  to  locate  the  hiding  place. 
The  inhabitants  were  most  unfriendly.  No  local  guides  could  be  induced  to  serve. 

While  in  Satevo  the  commanding  officer  and  guide,  the  former  with  a  quantity  of 
Mexican  silver,  hunted  up  the  principal  inhabitant  of  the  little  village  asking  for  corn  and 
fodder,  at  the  same  time  displaying  the  silver  with  some  ostentation,  saying,  "Nosotros 
pagamos  por  todos."  (We  pay  for  everything).  The  place,  it  seems,  had  been  raided  in 
turn  by  contending  Mexican  factions  (Carrancistas  taking  even  women's  clothing)  until 
there  was  but  little  left,  and  that  little  was  kept  well  hidden. 

When  they  learned  that  the  accursed  "Gringos"  were  actually  paying  for  supplies,  their 
astonishment  knew  no  bounds ;  one  native  telling  the  interpreter,  "Why,  it's  like  seeing 
Christ  come  down  from  heaven,  to  see  you  paying  for  what  you  want !"  We  were  taken 
across  the  creek  to  a  little  adobe  hut,  and  on  the  door  being  unlocked  a  sight  met  their 
eyes  which  caused  them  for  the  moment  to  forget  all  their  troubles — two  rooms  filled  with 
corn  fodder !  It  is  needless  to  say  that  for  once  the  hungry,  tired  horses  got  a  good  feed. 


SKETCH  MAP 

OF 

ROUTE  OF  IOT-*  CAVALRY  TROOPS 

PUNITIVE  EXPEDITION 
/3/6 


74 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 


CAPTAIN  CHARLES  T.  BOYD 
KILLED  AT  CARRIZAL,  MEXICO,  JUNE  21,  1916 


75 

The  news  of  their  paying  for  the  things  spread,  and  in  the  course  of  a  couple  of  hour:, 
they  had  more  eggs  and  chickens  offered  for  sale  than  they  could  buy. 

The  natives  crowded  into  camp  intent  on  seeing  and  examining  everything  carried  and 
worn  by  the  Soldado  Americano ;  in  fact  they  got  so  chummy  that  some  one  borrowed 
Lieut.  Adair's  field  glasses  and  forgot  to  return  them. 

On  this  march,  as  at  other  times,  the  road  passed  through  and  by  whole  square  miles 
of  fields  formerly  under  cultivation,  and  although  this  was  the  planting  season,  no 
preparations  were  being  made,  save  in  the  gardens  about  the  houses,  for  raising  a  season's 
crop.  The  reason  was  apparent ;  the  better  the  crop  the  surer  it  was  to  be  levied  on  by 
one  or  the  other  of  the  contending  factions.  So  what  was  the  use ! 

On  the  llth,  marched  eighteen  miles  to  Valle  de  Zaragoza  where  camp  was  made  in  a 
grove  (the  town  park)  in  the  edge  of  town  on  the  banks  of  a  fine  stream.  Twenty  Villistas 
were  in  town  yesterday  and  were  raiding  a  cloth  factory  when  Major  Tompkins'  arrival 
compelled  them  to  drop  their  loot  and  run.  This  part  of  the  regiment  had  now  lost  twenty- 
eight  animals.  Natives  here  were  unusually  curious  and  friendly  and,  dressed  in  their 
best,  crowded  into  camp.  Captain  Mesa,  a  Carranza  officer,  was  very  helpful  in  securing 
supplies. 

Sapien  was  reached  on  the  12th,  via  Tres  Hermanos,  El  Suaz  and  Valle  de  Zaragoza. 
While  in  camp  at  Sapien  word  was  brought  by  three  Thirteenth  Cavalry  troopers  that 
their  squadron  (two  troops)  had  had  an  engagement  with  the  Parral  garrison  and  was 
retreating.  They  had  been  cut  off  in  the  pursuit. 

Camp  was  immediately  broken,  and  the  command  moved  at  once  to  the  support  of 
Major  Tompkins'  squadron,  which  was  found  in  a  defensive  position  at  the  Santa  Cruz  de 
Villegas.  Upon  the  arrival  of  Colonel  Brown's  force  (the  Second  Squadron  and  Machine 
Gun  Troop)  the  Carrancistas  withdrew  from  their  menacing  position.  (See  Appendix  "I.") 
The  situation  remained  very  tense.  Parral  was  about  ten  miles  distant  to  the  south. 
Those  in  the  expedition  did  not  realize  the  storm  of  protest  and  indignation  that  swept  the 
country  when  the  news  was  brought  that  Carrancistas  had  made  such  an  unprovoked 
attack.  It  had  been  assumed  that  cooperation,  not  antagonism,  was  to  be  met  in  the  pursuit 
of  the  bandit  who  was  menacing  the  Carranza  government.  Read  General  Pershing's 
letter  to  Colonel  Brown.  (Appendix  "J-") 

Supplies  were  very  short,  and  foraging  for  same  was  very  discouraging.  On  the  15th, 
Lieutenant  Troxel  and  a  detachment  of  twenty  men  were  held  up  while  on  a  hunt  for  a 
camp  site  on  the  railway  and  informed  that  they  were  prisoners ;  that  they  must  accompany 
the  Carrancistas  to  a  camp  southeast  of  Parral.  Lieutenant  Troxel  couldn't  see  this  at  all, 
and  returned  to  his  camp  at  Santa  Cruz  without  incident.  Reinforcements  under  Lieut. 
Colonel  Allen  and  Major  Howze  arrived  on  the  15th,  but  the  promised  supplies  from 
Parral  were  held  up.  In  the  face  of  this,  a  proposal  was  received  from  General  Lozano 
to  move  Mexican  troops  through  Santa  Cruz  to  reinforce  the  Parral  garrison.  The  bodies 
of  the  dead  troopers  of  the  Thirteenth  Cavalry  were  buried  in  the  village  cemetery  with 
honors. 

Colonel  Brown  in  a  report  to  General  Pershing  writes : 

"The  greatest  care  has  been  taken  to  do  no  injustice  to  natives  of  the  country.  The 
chief  difficulty  from  the  outset  has  been  to  do  this  and  still  to  secure  the  necessary  supplies 
from  a  country  which  has  been  raided  in  turn  by  Villistas  and  Carrancistas.  To  maintain 
my  command  on  this  expedition  I  have  already  advanced  the  government  over  $1,453.00  of 


76 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 


FIRST  LIEUT.  HEXRY  R.  AD  AIR 
KILLED  AT  CARRIZAL,  MEXICO,  JUNE  21,  1916 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 


77 


l^l^S^ 

'.»;•*  _;*...    .«**  .  Ti^*  •      -j-Tt  '  * 

' .-  iv      .A'*\  -•>t^ibvrSt^ 


CAMP  AT  COLON  I A  DUEL  AN 

personal  funds.  Other  officers  have  advanced  several  hundred  dollars.  How'  or  when  we 
will  ever  be  reimbursed  is  problematical. 

"One  thing,  in  my  opinion,  is  certain,  and  that  is  that  to  seize  supplies  whether  the 
owner  is  willing  or  not  will  sooner  or  later  result  in  hostilities.  Major  Tompkins  agrees 
with  me  most  emphatically. 

"I  hope  it  will  not  be  taken  amiss  that  I  am  putting  this  matter  strongly,  but  I  do  so 
with  a  feeling  that  it  is  perhaps  not  thoroughly  understood.  The  condition  of  this  com- 
mand at  this  date  is  such  that  if  Villa  were  known  to  be  within  say  thirty  miles  we  could 
doubtless  march  there  and  defeat  him,  but  to  attempt  any  further  marches  without  addi- 
tional remounts  may  be  regarded  as  impracticable. 

"When  we  left  Casas  Grandes  March  19th  everything  pointed  to  our  ability  to  capture 
Villa  in  about  five  (5)  days,  and  the  orders  were  such  that  we  took  no  forage  for  the 
squadron  and  have  but  one  saddler's  kit  for  the  command.  From  the  commanding  officer 
down,  all  baggage  has  been  carried  on  our  horses.  I  am  so  short  even  as  to  paper  that  it 
has  been  no  little  embarrassment,  and  I  am  writing  this  letter  on  paper  given  me  by  a 
native,  and  writing  it  fine  to  economize  in  material. 

"Upon  questioning  yesterday  the  presidente  of  Parral  as  to  Villa's  whereabouts  I  got 
but  little  satisfaction.  He  was  thought  to  be  in  the  Guerrero  district  they  said — one  report 
at  Sta.  Ana  and  another  at  Concepsion.  They  either  do  not  know,  or  if  they  do  they  give 
evasive  replies.  People  who  have  recently  been  looted  of  horses  and  goods  show  the  most 
discouraging  apathy  in  trying  to  rid  the  country  of  this  bandit." 

On  April  18th  two  wagonloads  of  supplies  arrived  from  Parral,  including  a  lot  of 
civilian  trousers.  These  were  much  needed,  for  many  of  the  men  were  by  this  time  in  rags. 
Dr.  McMurdo  graphically  described  the  situation  in  a  wire  which  he  sent  to  Fort  Huachuca, 
viz:  "Send  me  a  pair  of  trousers.  Am  getting  sunburned."  Captains  Rutherford  and 
Pritchard  with  Troop  C  arrived  on  the  20th  with  a  train  of  36  pack  mules,  $2,300.00  (coin) 
for  purchase  of  supplies,  and  the  mail.  (The  first  received  since  entering  Mexico). 


78 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 


After  a  period  of  watchful  waiting,  at  the  end  of  which  it  was  ordered  that  no  further 
move  would  be  made  southward,  the  command  left  Santa  Cruz  for  station  at  the  Satevo 
base.  There  were  now  present :  34  officers,  606  enlisted  men,  702  horses,  149  mules,  re- 
quiring six  tons  of  hay  and  over  9000  pounds  of  grain  a  day.  To  supply  a  command  of 
that  size  required  a  base  on  a  railroad,  and  the  regiment  was  now  some  350  miles,  as  the 
crow  flies,  from  Culberson's  Ranch — over  one-third  the  distance  from  there  to  the  City  of 
Mexico. 

M  troop  joined  here  on  the  25th.  Later  orders  directed  a  move  tc  San  Antonio,  which 
was  reached  by  easy  stages  on  May  1st.  The  command  remained  here  until  the  5th,  resting 
and  recuperating,  then  moved  on  to  Lake  Itascatc.  Headquarters,  M  and  Machine  Gun 
Troop  went  on  to  Namiquipa,  Major  Charles  Young  commanding,  in  the  absence  of  Colonel 
Brown,  sick.  Xamiquipa  was  reached  on  the  8th.  The  First  Squadron  and  Troops  I  and 
K  joined  here.  On  the  12th  the  Second  Squadron  rejoined  Headquarters  at  Namiquipa. 
Civilized  tobacco  was  available  for  the  first  time. 

On  the  15th,  Namiquipa  was  evacuated  except  for  Troop  E,  left  as  escort  for  the 
artillery,  and  the  march  for  Colonia  Dublan  taken  up  via  the  river  road,  said  road  crossing 
tiie  river  seventy-one  times  between  Namiquipa  and  El  Valle.  Troop  L  joined  here  on 
the  17th.  Camp  was  made  at  Colonia  Dublan  two  days  later.  A  camp  site  was  assigned 
and  the  place  was  no  sooner  occupied  than  it  was  changed  in  a  terrible  wind  storm  to  a 
new  site.  After  two  more  moves  it  was  found  that  the  new  site  was  the  worst  that  they 
had  yet  been  in,  so  they  were  permanently  assigned  to  it  and  the  men  set  to  work  to 
build  adobe  walls  on  which  to  pitch  their  shelter  tents.  Considerable  ingenuity  was  shown 
in  making  cots  of  poles  and  other  devices  for  camp  comfort.  While  at  this  place  the 
wagons  arrived,  but  every  bed  roll  and  field  desk  had  been  looted  by  every  one  through 


1.  Col.  Evans;  2.  Gen.  Dodd ;  3.  Capt.  Kromer :  4.  Col.  Dade :  5.  Capt.  Kennington ;  6. 
Maj.  Lindsey;  7.  Dr.  Porter;  8.  Capt.  Smith;  9.  Lt.  King;  10.  Capt.  Rodney;  11.  Dr.  Barber; 
12.  Capt.  Trozel;  13.  Maj.  Cavenaugh ;  14.  Capt.  Lohn ;  15.  Lt.  Hoge;  16.  Capt.  McCornack ; 
17.  Dr.  Demmer;  18.  Lt.  Migdalski ;  19.  Lt.  Abbey;  20.  Maj.  Pritchard. 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  79 

whose  hands  they  had  passed,  so  that  nothing  remained  except  those  things  that  had  long 
since  been  discarded  as  useless. 

Now  began  the  long,  tedius  routine  of  camp  life  in  Mexico,  with  but  outpost  duty  and 
scouting  to  relieve  the  monotony.  The  Eleventh  Cavalry  was  camped  alongside  the  Tenth. 
Remounts  were  secured  from  Columbus  in  June. 

In  the  middle  of  June  the  Third  Squadron  took  outpost  stations  at  Corralitas  Ranch, 
Ojo  Federico  and  Vado  de  Fusiles. 

Reports  of  activities  of  the  Mexicans  became  more  and  more  disturbing.  Word  was 
given  out  that  the  Carranza  government  had  announced  that  no  opposition  would  be  made 
to  Amercian  troops  retiring  to  the  northward,  but  that  any  troops  venturing  to  move  in 
any  other  direction  would  be  opposed.  Several  brushes  with  native  troops  had  occurred  as 
a  result  of  these  orders  and  affairs  were  becoming  daily  more  strained  when  the  Carrizal 
incident  occurred.  On  June  22nd,  four  men  of  Troop  C  arrived  in  camp  bearing  the  news 
that  Troops  C  and  K  had  clashed  with  Carrancistas  at  Carrizal  the  day  previous,  and  that 
Captain  Boyd  and  Lieutenant  Adair  were  among  the  casualties.  Later  in  the  day  men  from 
K  troop  straggled  in,  confirming  the  news. 

When  reports  of  the  opposition  of  the  Mexicans  to  the  movements  of  American  troops 
in  any  direction  except  toward  the  north  became  current,  two  troops  of  the  Tenth  were 
ordered  out  from  Colonia  Dublan  on  a  scout.  Troop  B,  under  command  of  Captain  Gar- 
denhire,  was  directed  to  move  out  to  Ojitas,  the  ranch  where  we  made  our  second  camp 
in  March  on  the  way  into  Mexico,  to  ascertain  whether  there  were  any  troops  in  that 
vicinity.  Troop  C  at  the  same  time  was  ordered  to  the  northeast  to  go  through  a  town 
called  Carrizal  to  Ahumada.  Troop  C,  Captain  Charles  T.  Boyd  commanding,  with  First 
Lieut.  Henry  Rodney  Adair  and  thirty-nine  enlisted  men,  left  camp  on  the  morning  of 
Tune  20th  on  what  was  to  be  the  last  ride  for  many  of  them. 

Boyd  was  a  man  of  unusual  force  and  a  natural  leader ;  Adair  was  one  of  the  finest 
horsemen  in  the  regiment  and  had  acted  as  Regimental  Adjutant  in  March  and  April. 

The  trail  took  them  over  a  rough  country  to  the  northeast.  After  they  had  marched 
about  eighty-five  miles  they  reached  the  San  Domingo  ranch  which  was  in  charge  of  an 
American.  Along  with  them  went  an  American  guide,  Lon  Spillsbury,  a  reliable  man  and 
a  first  class  interpreter.  At  San  Domingo  ranch,  Troop  K,  under  Captain  Lewis  Morey, 
was  met  with  and  the  troop  accompanied  Troop  C  under  the  command  of  Captain  Boyd. 
Carrizal  lay  about  eight  miles  to  the  east  of  San  Domingo  ranch  and  Villa  Ahumada  lay 
about  eight  miles  to  the  northeast  of  Carrizal.  After  camping  for  the  night  at  the  ranch 
the  march  of  the  two  troops  was  resumed.  The  land  toward  Carrizal  was  open  grass  land 
varied  with  a  few  swales.  It  was  not  timbered  and  there  was  no  cover.  The  trail  lay 
across  an  open  mesa  that  was  fringed  to  the  front  at  the  edge  of  the  town  of  Carrizal 
with  a  few  cottonwoods  along  a  stream  bed,  and  across  which  a  barbed  wire  fence  ran 
quite  close  to  the  town.  Approaching  the  town  the  column  first  came  to  an  irrigating  ditch 
that  was  filled  with  water.  As  they  drew  close  to  the  town  it  was  seen  to  be  occupied, 
and  on  a  nearer  approach  being  made  a  party  of  Mexican  officers  rode  out  to  meet  the 
approaching  troops.  The  Mexican  commander  told  Captain  Boyd  that  he  could  not  allow 
passage  through  the  town  of  American  troops.  To  him  Captain  Boyd  replied  that  his  orders 
required  him  to  go  through  the  town  and  that  he  must  do  it.  A  long  discussion  ensued, 
the  Mexicans  opposing  the  entry  of  the  troops,  the  American  commander  insisting  on  his 
orders.  It  is  reported  that  finally  the  Mexican  commander  offered  to  allow  the  two  troops 


80  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

to  pass  through  the  town  in  column  of  fours,  but  fearing  a  trap  this  was  declined.  At 
any  rate  the  discussion  closed  by  the  Mexican  returning  to  the  town  and  the  prompt  dis 
position  for  attack  by  the  two  troops  whose  combined  strength  was  less  than  eighty  men. 
The  led  horses  were  sent  to  the  rear  and  the  troops  were  formed  in  line  of  skirmishers, 
Troop  K  being  well  to  the  right,  with  orders  to  protect  the  right  flank.  With  this  dis- 
position the  line  moved  forward. 

As  the  line  drew  closer  to  the  edge  of  the  mesa  where  a  barbed-wire  fence  edged  the 
creek,  fire  was  opened  on  them  from  two  machine  guns  that  the  Mexicans  had  cleverly 
disposed  under  cover.  The  fire  was  returned,  but  the  machine  gun  fire  had  already  played 
havoc  with  the  horses,  stampeding  several  of  them.  C  troop,  charging  forward,  lost 
Captain  Boycl,  who  was  shot  first  in  the  hand,  then  in  the  shoulder,  and  then  as  he  sprang 
out  of  the  irrigation  ditch  to  lead  his  men  he  was  shot  in  the  head  and  instantly  killed. 
Lieutenant  Adair  took  the  troop  and  carried  it  forward,  storming  the  town.  The  two 
machine  guns  had  previously  been  put  out  of  action  by  the  hot  fire  from  Troop  C.  At 
this  stage  of  the  fight  Troop  K,  on  the  right  flank,  came  under  a  heavy  flanking  fire  from 
some  Mexican  soldiers  in  a  cottonwood  grove,  and  a  party  of  Mexican  cavalry  appearing 
at  that  moment  on  the  right  flank  of  Troop  K,  that  troop  fell  back,  leaving  the  right  flank 
of  Troop  C  exposed  to  the  hostile  fire.  Lieutenant  Adair,  having  advanced  to  the  line  of 
the  houses  in  the  town,  found  that  his  men  were  short  of  ammunition  and  went  back  to 
get  the  belts  from  the  wounded,  of  whom  there  were  quite  a  few.  As  he  came  back  he  was 
shot  while  crossing  the  irrigation  ditch.  The  bullet  struck  him  just  above  the  heart  and 
he  died  a  few  minutes  later.  The  troop  having  no  officers  with  it,  the  men  became  confused 
and  realizing  that  they  were  opposed  by  tremendous  odds,  and  that  they  had  no  support, 
for  K  troop  had  retired,  they  retreated,  but  not  until  they  had  inflicted  a  loss  of  about 
eighty  on  the  enemy,  including  their  commanding  general. 

The  horses  of  both  troops,  stampeded  by  the  bullets  that  went  into  the  herds,  did  not 
stop  till  they  came  to  the  San  Domingo  ranch  where  the  men  found  them  later.  The  two 
troops,  losing  all  cohesion,  dropped  back  to  the  ranch  and  got  the  horses.  There  were  no 
officers  for  the  men,  for  both  of  the  Troop  C  officers  had  been  killed  and  Captain  Morey 
had  been  wounded. 

The  losses  were  as  follows :  Killed — two  officers,  seven  enlisted  men.  Wounded — one 
officer,  ten  enlisted  men. 

Twenty-one  enlisted  men  were  made  prisoners,  but  were  returned  June  29  at  El  Paso, 
Texas,  after  many  privations. 

The  results  of  this  skirmish  were  widespread,  and  all  the  forces  longed  for  an  oppor- 
tunity to  come  to  real  hand-grips  with  the  Mexicans,  but  this  was  not  the  intention  of  the 
authorities.  Only  the  State  and  War  Departments  know  what  amount  of  diplomatic  cor- 
respondence ensued.  It  seemed  for  a  time  as  if  a  casus  belli  had  been  brought  about ; 
perhaps  our  impending  entrance  into  the  World  War  was  the  main  consideration.  It  is 
not  the  purpose  of  this  history  to  register  surmises  on  mysteries. 

Camp  at  Colonia  Dublan  lasted  all  summer;  yea,  even  to  fall.  Bets  were  made  that 
the  election  had  something  to  do  with  the  duration  of  camp.  The  work  at  the  camp  at 
Dublan  was  again  taken  up  and  the  rest  of  the  summer  and  fall  was  spent  in  perfecting 
equipment  of  the  regiment  and  in  training,  for  by  this  time  it  was  pretty  well  realized 
that  the  time  would  soon  come  when  America  would  enter  the  World  War.  The  autumn 
was  cold  and  windy  and  men  were  set  to  work  building  adobe  houses  and  kitchens.  At 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 


81 


this  work  they  showed  remarkable  aptitude  and  in  a  few  weeks  the  entire  regiment  was  in 
comfortable  winter  quarters.  By  this  time  a  remarkably  satisfactory  service  with  the  border 
had  been  established  and  frequent  truck  trains  brought  supplies  and  mail  at  regular  intervals. 

While  in  camp  at  Dublan  the  regiment  celebrated  its  fiftieth  birthday  by  a  very  clever 
program  that  was  gotten  up  by  Major  Charles  Young,  assisted  by  the  sergeant  major  and 
some  of  the  first  sergeants. 

During  the  summer  months  Major  Evans  was  promoted  and  took  command  of  the 
regiment,  and  Captain  W.  L.  Luhn  was  appointed  adjutant. 

Christmas  was  ushered  in  by  a  cold  norther  and  the  Christmas  dinner  and  its  accom- 
panying festivities,  which  had  long  been  planned,  was  entirely  spoiled  by  the  tremendous 
wind  storm  that  will  be  long  remembered  by  every  one  who  was  in  Mexico  at  that  time. 
Whole  steers  that  were  being  barbecued  were  so  covered  by  the  clouds  of  dust  that  they 
were  uneatable,  and  the  troops  had  to  seek  what  shelter  they  could.  Very  few  men  ate 
at  all  for  twenty-four  hours. 

The  slogan  of  "Villa,  dead  or  alive,"  was  heard  no  more  in  Mexico.  In  January,  word 
at  last  came  that  the  troops  were  to  withdraw  from  Mexico,  and  the  march  homeward  be- 
gan on  January  30th,  1917.  The  regiment  marched  with  the  rest  of  the  column  to  Columbus, 
reaching  there  on  February  5th,  and  took  up  the  march  for  its  home  station  at  Fort 
Huachuca,  where  it  arrived  on  February  14,  1917. 


CHAPTER  IX. 
1917-1921 

ACK  in  Huachuca,  it  was  but  a  short  time  until  the  declaration  of  war 
against  Germany.  Persistent  rumors  existed  throughout  the  summer 
that  a  cavalry  division  was  to  he  organized  and  sent  over,  but  later 
events  indicated  that  our  role  was  not  to  be  an  active  one  abroad. 

The  call  for  officers  for  the  National  Army  came  straight  to  the 
veterans  of  the  Tenth  Cavalry.  A  total  of  sixty-two  non-commissioned 
officers  were  commissioned — twenty  captains,  twenty-three  first  lieuten- 
ants, and  nineteen  second  lieutenants.  See  Appendix  "M"  for  the  complete  list.  In  all, 
the  regiment  sent  600  of  its  old  men  to  form  a  nucleus  for  organizations,  who  were 
appointed  First,  Mess,  and  Supply  Sergeants. 

The  National  Army  drew  also  from  the  officers  of  the  regiment.  Practically  all  the 
older  officers  were  promoted  to  field  rank,  and  several  won  their  stars.  The  new  officers 
from  the  training  camps  were  good  material,  and  the  regiment  "carried  on."  Officers 
gained,  50;  lost,  39,  during  the  year. 

Eight  hundred  and  fifty  recruits  joined  between  April  and  June.  A  recruit  detachment 
was  organized  and  the  men  fully  instructed  before  assignment  to  troops. 

Hope  for  overseas  service  was  not  lost ;  a  trench  system  was  constructed  "up  the 
canyon,"  and  all  the  doughboy  stunts  were  practiced.  Gas  masks  and  grenades  were 
startlingly  new  for  self-respecting  cavalrymen. 

The  Headquarters  Troop  baseball  team  won  the  championship  trophy  cup  without  losing 
a  single  game.  In  the  Liberty  Bond  Drive  this  troop  also  won  the  cup  for  the  highest 
subscription  with  a  total  of  $17,800.00,  a  per  capita  of  $214.56. 

The  border  patrol  kept  on  the  job  as  usual.  The  First  and  Second  Squadrons  took 
tours  garrisoning  Nogales,  Lochiel  and  Arivaca,  while  the  Third  Squadron  kept  one  troop 
at  a  time  at  Naco.  Troop  L  remained  at  Fort  Apache,  where  it  had  been  stationed  previous 
to  the  Punitive  Expedition,  and  where  it  returned  after  coming  out  of  Mexico. 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  83 

At  Nogales  were  two  troops,  and  one  each  at  Lochiel  and  Arivaca,  when,  in  August, 
1918,  German  activities,  working  in  the  fertile  soil  of  the  Mexican  mind,  began  to  take 
aggressive  shape  in  this  quarter  of  the  world. 

About  August  15,  1918,  the  Intelligence  Division  reported  the  presence  of  strange 
Mexicans,  plentifully  supplied  with  arms,  ammunition,  food  and  clothing,  gathering  in 
increasing  numbers  in  and  about  Nogales,  Sonora ;  also  the  presence  of  several  strange 
white  men,  apparently  Germans,  at  times  engaged  in  addressing  gatherings  of  Mexicans, 
explaining  military  terms,  movements  and  methods.  At  about  this  time  an  anonymous 
letter  was  received,  written  by  a  person  who  claimed  to  have  been  a  major  in  Villa's  forces, 
who  was  sickened  and  disgusted  at  the  atrocities  committed  by  Villa  and  his  men,  and  at 
the  lack  of  pay  or  reward,  and  who  claimed  a  feeling  of  friendly  respect  for  the  American 
troops,  warning  them  of  the  German  influences  at  work  near  and  in  Nogales,  advising  of 
the  financial  activities  of  the  German  agents,  and  of  a  contemplated  attack  on  Nogales 
about  August  25,  1918.  This  letter  rang  so  true  that  it  became  a  subject  of  investigation 
by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Frederick  J.  Herman,  Tenth  Cavalry,  then  acting  Sub-District  Com- 
mander at  Nogales,  and  Lieutenant  Robert  Scott  Israel,  Infantry  Intelligence  Officer  at 
Nogales,  and  so  many  points  of  the  letter  were  verified  that  it  was  given  more  than  ordinary 
weight. 

Shortly  after  the  receipt  of  the  warning  letter,  daily  and  nightly  activity  on  the  part 
of  the  Mexicans  was  observed  on  the  hills  overlooking  the  American  city  of  Nogales, 
Arizona,  and  commanding  the  roads  traversing  the  gulch  in  which  the  city  lies,  where 
trenches  were  being  constructed. 

At  this  time  the  Thirty-fifth  Infantry,  under  orders  for  a  change  of  station  to  Camp 
Travis  and  France,  was  leaving  Nogales  in  detachments  of  a  few  companies  at  a  time, 
and  on  the  morning  of  August  27,  1918,  it  was  generally  believed  in  Nogales,  Sonora,  that 
the  infantry  had  all  gone,  leaving  the  garrison  of  the  camps  but  two  troops  of  the  Tenth 
Cavalry. 

About  ten  days  prior  to  August  27th,  Colonel  Herman  requested  reinforcements,  includ- 
ing the  Machine  Gun  Troop  of  the  Tenth  Cavalry,  advising  the  district  commander  at 
Douglas.  Arizona,  of  the  situation  at  Nogales.  Two  troops  were  sent,  with  the  injunction 
to  send  one  to  Arivaca. 

About  4  p.  m.  of  August  27,  1918,  the  infantry  line  guard  at  the  customs  gates  on 
International  Avenue  became  involved  in  a  fight  with  armed  Mexicans,  either  customs 
guards  or  Mexican  soldiers — probably  the  latter — and  within  a  few  minutes  the  whole 
infantry  was  engaged,  every  hill-top  on  the  Mexican  side  showed  its  intrenchments  filled 
with  armed  men,  and  the  fight  was  on. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Herman,  on  the  way  to  Nogales  from  his  camp  two  miles  west  of 
the  town,  stopped  a  truck  roaring  toward  camp,  and  learning  the  facts  telephoned  his 
cavalry  camp  and  then  instantly  drove  back  to  take  command  of  the  troops.  By  the  time 
his  car  had  raced  over  the  two  miles  the  three  troops  of  the  Tenth  were  mounting  and  at 
once  proceeded  to  Nogales  at  a  gallop.  The  squadron  consisted  of  Troop  A,  Captain  Roy 
V.  Moreledge ;  Troop  C,  Captain  Joseph  D.  Hungerford,  and  Troop  F,  Captain  Henry  C. 
Caron.  In  the  meanwhile  the  three  companies  of  infantry  under  Captain  Marshburn  were 
being  assembled  and  brought  to  town  in  motor  trucks  by  the  quartermaster: 

The  Tenth  Cavalry  was  dismounted  and  the  led  horses  sheltered  in  the  side  streets. 
Troop  F,  Captain  Caron,  was  assigned  to  Titcomb  Hill  and  the  west  end  of  International 


84  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

Avenue.  Colonel  Herman  took  charge  of  the  infantry  in  the  center  at  the  railway  depot. 
Troop  A,  Captain  Moreleclge,  was  sent  to  Morley  Avenue,  ready  to  advance  across  the 
line,  if  necessary.  Captain  Hun^erford,  with  Troop  C,  was  placed  in  reserve  near  Reservoir 
Hill,  and  the  infantry  ordered  to  move  up  Reservoir  Hill,  preparatory  to  clearing  the 
heights  to  the  south  of  their  position.  Some  difficulty  arose  here,  and  the  infantry  not 
moving  forward  as  desired,  were  withdrawn  and  held  in  reserve,  and  Troop  C  moved  up 
into  place.  During  this  movement,  Companies  G.  F  and  H,  Thirty-fiftn  Infantry,  were 
coming  into  positions  assigned  them,  as  fast  as  they  arrived  from  camp,  and  extend  along 
the  American  front.  Company  F  on  Reservoir  Hill,  Company  G  on  Titcomb  Hill,  and 
Company  H  as  a  reserve,  with  a  detachment  at  the  Southern  Pacific  station.  During  the 
distribution  of  the  American  troops  they  fired  but  little,  but  the  Mexican  fire  was  very 
heavy.  Several  civilians, in  the  Amentan  city  were  hit,  and  a  number  of  soldiers  wounded 
and  one  killed.  It  became  necessary  to  return  the  Mexican  fire  as  a  measure  of  self- 
defense.  The  sheriff  of  Santa  Cruz  County — Sheriff  Earhart — was  directed  by  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Herman  to  round  up  and  confine  all  armed  citizens  in  the  City  Hall,  as  they  were 
getting  in  the  way  and  complicating  matters. 

The  Mexican  fire  now  grew  heavier,  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Herman  decided  to  clear 
the  line  of  houses  on  the  Mexican  side  of  International  Avenue  of  the  numerous  snipers 
operating  from  the  doors  and  windows,  particularly  in  and  near  the  Concordia  Club,  and 
Captain  Moreledge,  with  Troop  A,  was  directed  to  clear  this  terrain  and  gain  a  commanding 
position  among  the  rocks  overlooking  the  Mexican  town,  which  was  done  promptly  and  in 
a  most  creditable  manner.  Simultaneously,  Captain  Hungerford  was  directed  to  advance 
from  Reservoir  Hill  across  the  line  and  clear  the  heights  in  his  front,  then  holding  intrench- 
ments  filled  with  Mexicans.  After  crossing  the  line  and  while  moving  forward  in  frontal 
attack,  Captain  Hungerford  was  shot  through  the  heart  and  instantly  killed.  Several  of 
his  men  were  wounded  at  this  time,  but  the  advance  never  faltered,  led  by  the  first 
sergeant,  until  the  crest  was  gained  and  the  rifle  pits  and  trenches  cleared  of  dead  Mexicans. 

At  4 :45  p.  m.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Herman  received  a  gunshot  wound  in  the  right  leg 
while  directing  the  advance  across  International  Avenue  by  a  sniper  from  a  building  nearby. 
At  about  the  same  time,  Captain  Caron,  moving  his  men  from  point  to  point  toward  the 
Mexican  side,  was  shot  through  the  right  arm.  Both  of  the  wounded  officers,  after  a  .first 
aid  treatment,  resumed  their  places  with  their  troops.  Lieutenant  L.  W.  Loftus,  Thirty- 
fifth  Infantry,  was  also  fatally  wounded  about  this  time. 

U.  S.  Consul  E.  M.  Lawton  and  Sheriff  Earhart  at  5 :50  p.  m.  delivered  a  message 
from  the  Mexican  Consulate  requesting  the  U.  S.  troops  to  put  up  a  white  flag  and  to  cease 
firing  and  that  the  Mexicans  would  also.  Colonel  Herman's  reply  was  that  if  firing  from 
the  Mexican  side  did  not  cease  within  ten  minutes  he  would  come  over  the  line  with  the 
balance  of  his  forces  and  burn  Nogales,  Sonora,  to  the  ground. 

The  American  fire  from  the  captured  hillsides,  and  the  rocky  position  of  Troop  A, 
and  from  the  buildings  in  Nogales,  Arizona,  had  become  very  effective  and  the  Mexicans 
were  losing  heavily.  Assisted  by  Lieutenant  Israel,  of  the  Intelligence  Division,  and  the 
Sub-District  Adjutant,  Lieutenant  James  B.  Potter,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Herman  was  pushing  the  fighting  at  all  points,  when  at  6 :00  p.  m.  the  Mexicans  ran  up  a 
white  flag  at  the  Custom  House,  without  ceasing  their  fire,  however. 

At  6:15  p.  m.,  Colonel  Herman,  accompanied  by  U.  S.  Consul  Lawton  and  Lieutenant 
Israel  and  a  bugler,  proceeded  to  the  U.  S.  Consulate  in  Nogales,  Sonora,  under  a  constant, 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  85 

heavy  tire  directed  upon  this  group,  although  the  U.  S.  Consul  displayed  a  white  flag 
made  of  his  handkerchief.  At  the  Consulate  the  Mexican  representative  met  the  party  and 
arranged  for  the  cessation  of  fire  and  the  restoration  of  normal  conditions.  Once,  during 
the  conference,  the  Mexican  commandant  demanded  the  weapons  of  Colonel  Herman  and 
Lieutenant  Israel.  He  was  told  they  might  try  to  take  them.  A  rather  tense  moment 
ensued,  but  the  alert  position  of  a  detachment  of  the  Tenth  Cavalry  rifles  covering  the 
group  in  from  of  the  Consulate,  some  one  hundred  feet  away,  prompted  the  Mexican  com- 
mandant to  think  better  of  the  proposition.  The  American  fire  ceased  at  command  when 
the  conference  hegan,  and  after  some  delay  the  Mexican  fire  ceased  also. 

It  was  agreed  to  suspend  hostilities  until  7  o'clock  the  following  morning,  by  which 
time  it  was  hoped  matters  would  adjust  themselves,  the  Mexican  officials  denying  par- 
ticipation of  government  forces  in  the  battle  and  insisting  that  it  was  the  work  of  inde- 
pendent and  irresponsible  Mexicans,  strangers  in  the  town. 

After  the  conference.  American  headquarters  were  established  at  the  National  Hotel, 
to  which  Colonel  Herman  repaired  after  having  his  wound  dressed,  and  where  he  remained 
until  5 :30  of  the  following  morning,  when  relieved  by  Brigadier  General  Cabell.  During 
the  evening  the  positions  of  the  troops  were  strengthened,  rations  and  forage  and  ammuni- 
tion distributed,  and  preparations  made  to  finish  the  affair  in  the  morning.  During  the 
night  a  trainload  of  armed  Mexicans  arrived  from  Hermosillo,  but  no  disturbances  occurred 
during  the  night. 

The  arrival  of  the  Machine  Gun  Troop  and  several  other  troops  of  the  Tenth  Cavalry, 
and  some  artillery  from  El  Paso  on  the  following  day,  settled  all  disturbances  for  the 
time  being. 

In  this  action  the  infantry  was  commanded  by  Captain  R.  J.  Marshburn.  Colonel 
Herman,  during  the  engagement,  received  the  voluntary  offer  of  the  services  of  Major  H.  B. 
Cheadle,  infantry,  on  leave  at  Nogales,  Arizona,  and  of  Captain  James  T.  Duke  and 
Lieutenant  Scott.  Tenth  Cavalry,  which  were  duly  accepted. 

The  forces  engaged  were  the  Tenth  U.  S.  Cavalry,  Troop  A,  86  men ;  Troop  C,  82 
men ;  Troop  F,  90  men,  with  587  eilisted  men  and  12  officers  of  the  Thirty-fifth  Infantry, 
and  one  officer  and  30  men  of  the  Q.  M.  Corps. 

The  officers  of  the  Tenth  Cavalry  engaged  were : 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Frederick  J.  Herman. 

Captain  Joseph  D.  Hungerford. 

Captain  H.  C.  Caron. 

Captain  Roy  V.  Moreledge. 

Captain  James  T.  Dnke. 

Lieutenant  Wm.  Scott. 

Lieutenant  James  B.  Porter. 

Lieutenant  S.  M.  Lockwood. 

First  Sergeants  Thomas  F.  Jordan,  Troop  F,  and  James  T.  Penny,  Troop  C,  were 
specially  commended  by  Colonel  Herman  for  their  promptness,  intelligence  and  efficiency 
in  assuming  command  of  their  respective  troops,  and  carrying  on  the  work  when  their 
officers  were  shot  down. 

The  total  losses  in  the  American  forces  were  two  officers,  three  enlisted  men  and  two 
civilians  killed,  and  two  officers  and  twenty-nine  enlisted  men  wounded.  On  September 
15,  1918,  the  Intelligence  Department  had  reported  a  total  of  129  Mexicans  buried  as  a 


86  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

result  of  gunshot  wounds  received  August  27,  1918,  also  two  Germans,  presumably  officers, 
who  were  shot  while  directing  Mexican  troops  (?) — armed  men,  acting  as  troops — and 
an  estimate  of  300  Mexicans  wounded. 

The  final  estimate  of  the  Mexicans  engaged  was  2400  men. 

The  losses  of  the  Tenth  Cavalry  were : 

Killed — Captain  Joseph  D.  Hungerford,  Troop  C. 

Wounded — Lieutenant  Colonel  Fred  J.  Herman ;  Captain  H.  C.  Caron,  Troop  F ;  Ser- 
geant Arthur  E.  Green,  Troop  A ;  Private  Ulysses  S.  G.  Clayton,  Troop  C ;  Private  Van 
Gibson,  Troop  F ;  Private  J.  E.  Harris,  Troop  C ;  Private  Charley  T.  Johnson,  Troop  A ; 
Private  Wallace  Reynolds,  Troop  A ;  Private  Orvel  Walls,  Troop  A. 

During  this  entire  engagement  the  discipline  and  conduct  of  the  Tenth  Cavalry  was 
excellent,  the  most  careful  regard  to  existing  orders  and  the  laws  of  civilized  warfare  being 
exercised,  and  hostilities  ceased  when  no  longer  necessary. 

The  Headquarters  Troop  team  won  the  1918  baseball  championship  cup.  The  football 
cup  was  won  by  Troop  F  from  the  Machine  Gun  Troop  team  after  an  exciting  Thanks 
giving  Day  game.  Boxing  was  greatly  stimulated  by  the  Y.  M.  C.  A.,  and  McDuncan  of 
the  Machine  Gun  Troop  was  recognized  as  the  champion  in  the  "manly  art."  Three 
desultory  games  of  polo  were  played  with  the  First  Cavalry,  all  of  which  the  Tenth  won. 
The  Regimental  Baseball  Team  in  1919  won  eight  games  out  of  ten  played,  but  lost  a 
series  of  three  games  to  the  Twenty-fifth  Infantry,  losing  two.  In  the  District  Field  Meet 
our  team  won  from  the  Twenty-fifth  Infantry,  Nineteenth  Infantry,  First  Cavalry,  with 
a  score  of  45 ;  Twenty-fifth  Infantry,  34 ;  the  others  combined,  9. 

POLO 

February,  1920,  saw  the  revival  of  polo,  a  large  turnout  starting  practice.  A  shipment 
of  ponies  arrived  via  Fort  Bliss,  but  after  being  picked  over  by  the  five  teams  there  the 
remainder  were  not  superior  to  the  best  troop  mounts.  An  average  of  eighteen  players 
turned  out  for  games  every  Wednesday  and  Sunday.  Major  John  A.  Robenson  was 
designated  as  polo  manager  during  the  summer,  and  much  is  due  his  able  and  energetic 
organizing.  A  separate  polo  stable  was  established,  with  picked  men  from  each  troop. 
As  a  result  the  ponies  were  carefully  trained,  their  exercise  supervised,  and  the  equipment 
kept  in  top  notch  condition. 

In  the  elimination  tests  for  the  Eighth  Corps  Area,  the  Tenth  won  from  the  First 
Cavalry  in  two  games. 

Lineup,   Tenth  Cavalry.  Lineup,   First  Cavalry. 

1.  Major  J.  A.  Robenson.  1.     Lieutenant   Duffy. 

2.  Captain  L.  G.  Hefrerman.  2,     Lieutenant   Holt. 

3.  Lieutenant  H.  S.  Stanton.  3.     Captain  Snider. 

4.  Captain  E.  L.   N.  Glass.  4.     Lieutenant  Robinett. 
Score :    First  game,  12-1  ;  second  game,  9-4. 

Play  at  El  Paso  was  under  very  adverse  conditions.  Captain  Hefferman  had  his  shin 
laid  open  by  a  kick  in  play  at  Douglas,  and  played  with  a  football  shin  guard.  Major 
Robenson  and  Lieutenant  Stanton  collided  in  practice,  the  former  suffering  a  brain  con- 
cussion and  Lieutenant  Stanton  receiving  a  blow  on  the  back  which  required  him  to  play 
standing  in  his  stirrups.  The  two  ponies,  our  best,  were  also  laid  up.  The  team  had  to 
play  the  Seventh  Cavalry,  winners  of  the  Fort  Bliss  tournament,  and  was  swamped  by  the 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  87 

scores  of  29-1   and  15-2.     Some  consolation  was  derived  from   heating  the  Eighth   Cavalry 
6-2  in  six  periods. 

In  January  and  February,  1921,  four  games  were  played  with  the  First  Cavalry. 

Lineup,   Tenth   Cavalry.  Lineup,   First   Cavalry. 

1.  Major  Robenson.  1.     Lieut.   Robinett,   Major   Briscoe. 

2.  Lieut.  Healy,  Lieut.  Holt.  2.     Lieutenant  Holt. 

3.  Major  Glass.  3.     Lieutenant  Colonel  Win.  Scott. 

4.  Colonel  Winans.  4.     Colonel  F.  Le  J.   Parker. 

Score:    First  game,  8-7   (won);  second  game,  2-9   (lost);  third  game,  8-6   (won); 

fourth  game,  10-7  (won). 

In  April,  1921,  the  Eighth  Cavalry  was  invited  to  come  up  to  Fort  Huachuca  to  play, 
we  furnishing  the  mounts.  Each  team  won  a  game. 

Lineup,  Tenth  Cavalry.  Lineup,  Eighth  Cavalry. 

1.  Major  Robenson.  1.     Captain  Finley,  Goodier. 

2.  Major  Menoher.  2.     Captain   Smith. 

3.  Captain   Lawrence.  3.     Captain  Upton,   Carl. 

4.  Major  Glass.  4.     Colonel  Langhorne,  captain. 

Score:    First  game,  6-2  (won)  ;  second  game,  8-9  (lost). 

In  a  return  tournament  at  El  Paso  the  Eighth  Cavalry  mounted  our  team ;  the  team 
won  from  a  picked  team  10-1,  and  defeated  the  Eighth  by  the  score  of  6-5.  The  prospects 
for  a  good  showing  in  the  coming  Corps  Area  Tournament  appear  bright. 

The  "Buffalo  Bulletin"  was  started  May  5,  1920,  as  a  small  five-paged  mimeographed 
news  sheet.  Later,  the  Regimental  Press  furnished  an  attractive  cover  and  ran  twelve 
pages.  Its  circulation  expanded  from  two  hundred  to  twelve  hundred,  and  had  a  mailing 
list  of  over  two  hundred.  It  carried  the  doings  of  the  regiment  to  its  many  ex-officers, 
retired  men  and  friends.  The  letters  received  proved  that  their  affection  for  the  old  regiment 
was  still  lively.  The  Bulletin  ran  until  May  12,  1921,  when  it  was  ordered  discontinued, 
having  run  foul  of  the  rulings  of  the  Committee  on  Public  Printing,  that  no  paid  adver- 
tising could  be  carried  in  any  official  or  semi-official  publication.  It  was  necessary  to  carry 
ads  to  cover  the  cost  of  the  cuts,  photos,  and  the  yellow  paper  for  the  cover. 

In  June,  1920,  the  Arizona  District  Athletic  Team,  composed  principally  of  men  from 
the  Tenth  Cavalry  and  the  Twenty-fifth  Infantry,  won  the  Southern  Department  meet,  a 
tryout  for  the  Army  Olympic  entrants.  This  team  scored  160  points,  all  other  teams 
combined,  45.  The  Tenth  Cavalry  was  strong  in  the  track  events,  the  Twenty-fifth  Infantry 
predominant  in  the  field  events. 

Troop  V,  Captain  Duke  commanding,  left  the  post  June  2,  1921,  to  garrison  Fort 
Apache.  Troop  I,  our  last  organization  there,  was  relieved  in  April,  1919,  by  a  troop  of  the 
First  Cavalry. 

The  Eighth  Corps  Area  Rifle  and  Pistol  Competition  was  held  at  Camp  Bullis,  Texas, 
in  July.  Our  competitors  upheld  the  reputation  of  the  Tenth  Horse  in  fine  style. 

The  Pistol  Team  won  the  Championship  Trophy  Cup  from  the  fourteen  competitors, 
with  a  score  of  7904,  sixty-nine  points  ahead  of  the  runnerup,  the  Fifteenth  Field  Artillery. 

THE  TEAM 

Staff  Sergeant  William  T.  Wright,  Headquarters  Troop.    (Gold  Medal). 
Sergeant  Marcus  Nelson,  Troop  M.    (Gold  Medal). 
Corporal  William  R.  Thomas,  Troop  A.    (Silver  Aledal). 
Private  Allen  Peterson,  Troop  K.    (Silver  Medal). 
Corporal  Pryor  Sharp,  Troop  I. 


88 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 


Private  Abbey  Anderson,  Troop  L. 
Sergeant  William  Johnson,  Troop  B. 

Major  J.  V.  Knznik  ranked  thirteen  in  the  pistol  competition  and  won  a  silver  medal. 

The  Rifle  Team  finished  third  among  nineteen  entries,  four  points  behind  second  place, 
and  only  fourteen  points  behind  the  winner,  the  Twenty-third  Infantry  Team.  The  nearest 
cavalry  competitor  was  the  Eighth  Cavalry  in  eighth  place.  Officers  were  not  eligible  to 
shoot  on  regimental  rifle  or  pistol  teams. 

Private  William  F.  Tillman,  Troop  D,  led  all  competitors  in  the  rapid  fire  scoring, 
but  due  to  extremely  adverse  conditions  in  shooting  at  1000  yards,  causing  fine  shots  to  turn 
in  scores  such  as  four  to  six,  or  even  total  misses,  he  scored  but  a  ten  and  eighteen.  An 
average  score  by  him  or  a  team-mate  at  1000  yards  would  have  won  the  trophy. 

Private  Tillman  finished  in  eighth  place  (Gold  Medal),  Corporal  James  W.  Powell. 
Troop  E,  in  fifteenth  place  (Silver  Medal),  First  Sergeant  Clifford  A.  Sandridge,  Troop  H, 
in  twentieth  place  (Silver  Medal),  Corporal  John  A.  Jeter,  Troop  C,  in  thirty-fourth  place 
(Bronze  Medal),  out  of  254  competitors. 

General  Dickman,  Corps  Area  Commander,  complimented  the  regiment  in  the  following 
letter : 

HEADQUARTERS  EIGHTH   CORPS  AREA 

Fort  Sam  Houston,  Texas,  July  16,  1921. 
From :     Commanding  General. 

To :     Commanding  Officer,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Fort  Huachuca,  Ariz. 
Subject:     Commendation. 

1.  It  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  congratulate  you  upon  the  excellent  showing  made  by 
your  regiment  in  the  Corps  Area  Rifle  and  Pistol  Competition. 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVAI,RY 


89 


2.  The  fact  that  the  Pistol  Team,  representing  your  regiment,  won  the  trophy  by  out- 
shooting  all  other  pistol  teams  in  this  corps  area,  indicates  a  high  degree  of  training  and 
morale  in  your  command. 

(Signed)  J.  T.  DICKMAN, 

Major  General,  Commanding. 

Two  polo  games  were  played  with  the  First  Cavalry  on  July  3rd  and  17th.  The  first 
game  at  Douglas,  Arizona,  (on  their  ponies)  was  halted  after  four  chukkcrs  because  of 
rain.  Score  :  Four  to  three  in  favor  of  the  Tenth  Cavalry. 

THE  TEAMS 
Tenth  Cavalry.  First  Cavalry. 

No.  1 — Lieutenant  Sampson.  No.  1 — Lieutenant  Jackson. 

No.  2— Captain  Holt.  No.  2— Captain  Duffy. 

No.  3 — Captain  MacNabb.  No.  3 — Lieutenant  Colonel  Scott. 

No.  4 — Captain  Kenahan.  No.  4 — Captain  Holt. 

Lieutenant  Healy. 

The  same  teams  lined  up  on  our  home  field  on  our  ponies  July  17th;  Major  Clifford, 
fresh  from  Riley,  playing  No.  1  for  the  visitors.  The  game  was  fast  and  exciting,  but  our 
team  came  out  on  top  with  the  long  end  of  a  9  to  8  score. 


CHAPTER  X. 
THE  MACHINE  GUN  TROOP 

HE  machine  gun  was  born  of  American  inventive  genius  many  years  before 
1906 — but  it  was  not  until  that  year  that  our  army  commenced  to  appre- 
ciate the  weapon  by  providing  a  temporary  organization  of  a  platoon  in 
each  regiment  of  cavalry  and  infantry.  The  platoon  consisted  of  one 
officer  and  twenty-one  men  detailed  from  the  first  three  troops  of  the 
regiment. 

The  organization  was  effected  in  July,  1906,  at  Fort  Robinson,  Ne- 
braska, with  First  Lieutenant  Albert  E.  Phillips  detailed  to  organize  and  command  the 
unit.  Starting  with  a  clean  slate  and  a  new  mechanical  weapon  it  was  a  simple  matter  to 
arouse  enthusiasm  among  the  men. 

In  March,  1907,  the  platoon  sailed  with  the  regiment  for  the  Philippine  Islands,  remain- 
ing there  until  1909,  when  it  returned  to  the  States  via  the  Suez  Canal  for  station  at  Fort 
Ethan  Allen,  Vermont. 

THE   DEVELOPMENT   OK   INDIRECT    MACHINE   GUN    FIRE 

It  is  perhaps  not  generally  known  that  indirect  machine  gun  fire  originated  and  was 
developed  in  the  Machine  Gun  Platoon  of  the  Tenth  Cavalry.  The  European  war  Is 
credited  with  the  development  of  machine  gunnery.  Six  years  before  this  war,  during  the 
1908  training  season  in  the  Philippines,  the  Machine  Gun  Platoon  demonstrated  the 
feasibility  and  practicability  of  direct  overhead  and  indirect  machine  gun  fire.  This  work 
of  the  Tenth  Cavalry  platoon  was  discussed  in  Europe  and  printed  in  service  journals  from 
England  to  Australia. 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  91 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Aldershot  Society  held  in  England,  Major  General  Cosgrove 
presiding,  after  an  extended  discussion  of  the  machine  gun  development  in  the  Tenth 
Cavalry,  dismissed  the  meeting  with  the  remark :  "Gentlemen,  we  may  all  go  home, 
believing  as  the  American  does,  (referring  to  First  Lieutenant  Albert  E.  Phillips,  Tenth 
Cavalry)  that  the  successful  handling  of  machine  guns  requires  hard  study  and  patient 
experiment.'' 

From  this  beginning  in  1908,  the  platoon,  and  later  the  troop,  continued  the  develop- 
ment of  machine  gunnery,  having  perfected  many  methods  of  fire  supposed  to  have  originated 
during  the  European  war. 

The  overhead  employment  of  machine  guns  to  protect  troops — the  "barrage"  of  the 
war — was  actually  employed  in  tactical  exercises  by  the  machine  guns  of  the  Tenth  Cavalry 
several  years  before  the  war. 

There  are  methods  of  fire  to  this  day  known  only  by  a  few  of  the  old  Tenth  Cavalry- 
men who  belonged  to  the  organization  during  the  years  1908  to  1917. 

The  Machine  Gun  Troop  used  overhead  fire  during  the  engagement  at  Aguas  Calientes, 
Mexico,  April  1,  1916,  to  advance  a  detachment  going  forward  to  capture  Mexicans  firing 
from  an  adobe  hut. 

The  1915  edition  of  Applin's  British  Machine  Gun  Tactics  (one  year  after  the  be- 
ginning of  the  war)  carried  an  article  on  Indirect  Machine  Gun  Fire  by  the  Tenth  Cavalry. 

The  original  platoon  of  1906  was  enlarged  and  reorganized  as  a  provisional  troop  in 
1914,  with  Captain  Albert  E.  Phillips  detailed  as  its  commander. 

THE   MACHINE   GUN   TROOP  IN   THE   PERSHING   EXPEDITION    IN    MEXICO — 1916-1917 

The  troop,  under  command  of  Captain  Phillips,  marched  six  days  from  Fort  Huachuca, 
Arizona,  to  Culberson's  Ranch,  New  Mexico,  before  crossing  the  border.  It  crossed  at 
midnight  of  March  16th,  1916,  making  the  forced  march  with  the  regiment  of  one  hundred 
twenty  (120)  miles  to  Colonia  Dublan,  arriving  on  the  evening  of  the  18th.  The  march 
southward  was  resumed  the  evening  of  the  19th,  the  troop  being  attached  to  the  squadron 
under  Colonel  Brown.  It  participated  in  the  action  at  Aguas  Calientes  the  morning  of 
April  1,  1916. 

The  assembly  of  the  cavalry  on  the  outskirts  of  Parral,  Mexico,  found  only  the  Tenth 
Cavalry  with  machine  guns ;  all  other  machine  gun  troops  having  fallen  out  and  being  left 
behind. 

Every  soldier  that  left  Colonia  Dublan  with  the  troop  was  present  at  Parral. 

The  troop  marched  over  eleven  hundred  (1100)  miles  before  settling  down  in  camp 
on  the  return  to  Colonia  Dublan. 

The  reorganization  of  cavalry  by  eliminating  machine  gun  units  from  the  regimental 
organization  disorganized  and  breaks  up  a  troop  whose  record  for  machine  gunnery  as  well 
as  other  lines  is  believed  to  be  second  to  none  in  the  United  States  Army.  This  brief 
history  would  not  be  complete  without  quoting  the  remarkable  record  established  from 
1906  to  1912: 

HEADQUARTERS    TENTH    CAVALRY. 

Fort  Ethan  Allen,  Vermont,  December  22,  1912. 
General  Orders, 

No.  23. 

Six  years  ago  the  Machine  Gun  Platoon,  Tenth  Cavalry,  was  organized  at  Fort  Robin- 
son, Nebraska,  with  First  Lieutenant  Albert  E.  Phillips  detailed  as  its  commander.  Since 
that  time  its  record  has  been  an  uninterrupted  series  of  victories  whenever  it  entered  into 


92  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

competition  with  other   organizations.      Some   of  its    records   are   so   remarkable   that   they 
cannot  fail  to  stir  the  pride  of  every  officer  and  soldier  in  the  regiment. 

It  was  not  until  1908  that  contests  with  other  organizations  began,  and  this  is  the  result : 

In  1908 — First  place;  prize,  silver  cup;  Machine  Gun  Competition  Military  Meet,  De- 
partment Luzon.  Winning  52  out  of  60  points,  with  two  cavalry  and  three  infantry 
regiments  entered. 

In  1909 — First  place ;  prize,  silver  cup ;  Machine  Gun  Drill  U.  S.  Military  Tournament 
during  the  Hudson-Fulton  celebration  at  Albany,  N.  Y. ;  two  infantry  regiments  competing. 
First  place ;  prize,  silver  and  gold  shield  for  "Best  and  most  sanitary  camp  for  entire  week," 
eleven  organizations  contesting  for  it. 

In  1910 — First  place,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Indoor  Meet,  (Gymnasium  and  Riding  Hall)  ; 
prize,  banner.  , 

In  1911 — First  place,  Regimental  Indoor  Meet;  prize,  banner.  First  place,  Regimental 
Baseball  League ;  prize,  silver  cup.  First  place,  Basketball  League ;  prize,  banner. 

In  1912 — First  place,  Regimental  Indoor  Meet ;  prize,  banner. 

The  world's  recognized  record  for  speed  in  machine  gun  work  is  accorded  the  Machine 
Gun  Platoon,  Tenth  Cavalry,  in :  "Machine  Gun  Tactics,  Applin,  England." 

1st — Platoon  in  line  at  halt,  moved  forward  in  section  column  at  gallop  for  200  yards, 
went  into  action  and  fired  in  31  seconds.  Military  Meet  Department  Luzon,  Manila,  P.  I., 
1908. 

2nd — Platoon  in  shelter  tent  camp,  animals  on  picket  line  15  yards  in  front.  At  signal, 
horses  were  saddled,  mules  packed,  platoon  formed  and  moved  over  an  irregular  course 
for  500  yards,  went  into  action  and  fired  in  3  minutes  and  21  seconds.  Military  Tourna- 
ment and  Athletic  Meet,  Department  Luzon,  Manila,  P.  I.,  1908. 

3rd — With  guns  packed  on  mules  and  gun  squads  dismounted,  the  guns  were  unpacked, 
set  up,  loaded  and  fired,  barrels  exchanged,  reloaded  and  fired  the  second  itme,  in  25  1/5 
seconds,  both  guns  firing  simultaneously.  Nearest  competitor,  52  seconds.  Philippine 
Division  Military  Meet,  Manila,  P.  I.,  1909. 

Lieutenant  Phillips,  prompted  by  a  keen  desire  to  develop  the  Machine  Gun  Platoon  as 
a  potent  factor  in  warfare,  has  contributed  a  valuable  chapter  on  "Indirect  Fire  With 
Machine  Guns"  to  Captain  Applin's  book,  England,  bearing  the  title  of  "Machine  Gun 
Tactics." 

The  regimental  commander  makes  of  record  the  splendid  achievements  of  Lieutenant 
Phillips  and  commends  them  to  the  consideration  of  his  comrades  now  that  his  service  with 
the  Machine  Gun  Platoon,  by  operation  of  detached  service  law,  is  ended. 

By  order  of  Colonel  Gresham : 

G.  J.  ODEN, 
Captain  and  Adjutant,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Adjutant. 


<d!L 


In  1915 — Baseball  champions  of  the  regiment;  prize,  silver  cup. 

In  1918 — Baseball  champions  of  the  regiment;  prize,  silver  cup. 

In  1919 — Baseball  and  football  chimpions  of  the  regiment ;  prizes,  silver  cup  for  each. 

Sergeant  S.  C.  Williamson  of  this  troop  won  the  championship  100  and  220  yard  dashes 
in  the  Arizona  District  Meet  on  July  27,  1919;  won  the  championship  cup  of  the  Southern 
Department  in  the  100  and  220  yard  dashes  on  June  8,  1920,  at  Camp  Travis.  Texas,  and 
won  the  Championship  of  the  Army  in  the  100  and  220  yard  dashes  at  the  Army  Meet  held 
in  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  July  5,  1920. 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 


93 


The  regiment  is  now  awaiting  the  reorganization,  which  requires  a  consolidation  to 
six  troops,  and  headquarters  and  service  troop.  Many  non-commissioned  officers  will  lose 
their  warrants,  being  surplus  over  the  new  Tables  of  Organization.  But  this  is  all  in  the 
game,  and  the  regiment  has  lived  through  many  reorganizations  in  the  past. 

************ 

So  ends  the  written  history  of  the  Tenth  Cavalry  in  so  far  as  printed  words  can 
briefly  and  succintly  set  forth  the  facts  concerning  acts  which  called  for  courage,  endur- 
ance and  self-sacrifice. 

The  regiment  is  proud  to  have  had  upon  its  rolls  the  names  of  the  officers  and  men 
who  fought  the  savage  tribes  of  the  Southwest,  who  participated  in  the  Cuban  and 
Philippine  Campaigns,  and  who  went  across  our  southern  border  in  the  Punitive  Expedition. 

The  stirring  days  of  the  pioneer  are  gone,  the  hostile  Indian  is  no  more,  but  the 
traditions  of  the  regiment,  the  spirit  of  cooperation  between  officer  and  man,  the  comrade- 
ship of  the  Tenth  and  the  loyalty  to  the  Buffalo  Standard — these  still  exist. 

Knowing  these  things,  we  look  forward  with  confidence  to  the  future,  and  predict  that 
the  record  of  the  Tenth  Horse  will  be  continued  unblemished  and  untarnished,  and  that, 
when  the  old  regiment  is  again  put  to  test,  they  will  be  found  true  to  their  motto,  "READY 
AND  FORWARD." 


94  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 


(Mftcers,  ®entt{  (Ea&alrg 


Colonel  Benjamin  H.  Grierson  ..........................................................  Organization,  1856;  Dec.  1,  1888 

Lieut.  Colonel  Geo.  C.  Hunt  ........................................................................  Dec.  2,  1888;  Aug.  20,  1890 

Colonel  J.  K.  Mizner  .....  .  ...............................................................................  Aug.  21,  1890;  Jun.  7,  1897 

Lieut.  Colonel  T.  A.  Baldwin  ........................................................................  Jun.  8,  1897;  Oct.  28,  1897 

Colonel  Guy  V.  Henry  ....................................................................................  Oct.  29,  1897;  May  9,  1898 

Lieut.  Colonel  T.  A.  Baldwin  ....................................................................  May  10,  1898;  Nov.  21.  1898 

Colonel  S.  M.  Whitside  ................................................................................  Nov.  22,  1898;  May  29,  1902 

Lieut.  Colonel  T.  A.  Baldwin  ......................................................................  May  30,  1902;  Oct.  27,  1902 

Colonel  J.  A.  Augur  ........................................................................................  Oct.  28,  1902;  Apr.  18,  1909 

Lieut.  Colonel  G.  H.  G.  Gale  ......................................................................  Apr.  19,  1909;  Sept.  22.  1909 

Colonel  Thaddeus  W.  Jones  ........................................................................  Sept.  23,  1909;  Feb.  28,  1912 

Lieut.  Colonel  and  Colonel  G.  H.  G.  Gale  ..................................................  Mar.  1,  1912;  Oct.  8,  1912 

Colonel  John  C.  Gresham  ...........................  .  ..................................................  Oct.  9,  1912;  July  31,  1914 

Colonel  Daniel'  H.  Broughton  (attached)  ................................................  Aug.  1,  1914:  Aug.  11,  1914 

Major  G.  L.  Bryam  .......  .  ..............................................................................  Aug.  12,  1914;  Sept.  7.  1914 

Colonel  W.  C.  Brown  ......................................................................................  Sept.  8,  1914;  May  3,  1916 

Major  Ellwood  W.  Evans  ..............................................................................  May  4,  1916;  Aug.  4,  1916 

Major  Charles  Young  ......................................................................................  Aug.  5,  1916;  Aug.  9,  1916 

Colonel  Ellwood  W.  Evans  .....................................................................  Aug.  10.  1916;  Sept.  14,  1916 

Lieut.  Colonel  Charles  Young  ..................................................................  Sept.  15,  1916;  Sept.  28,  1916 

Colonel  Ellwood  W.  Evans  ..........................................................................  Sept.  29,  1916;  Feb.  5,  1917 

Colonel  DeRosey  C.  Cabell  ...........................................................................  Feb.  6,  1917;  May  23,  1917 

Lieut.  Colonel  Charles  Young  ......................................................................  May  24,  1917;  June  2,  1917 

Colonel  DeRosey  C.  Cabell  ..........................................................................  June  3,  1917;  Aug.  21,  1917 

Captain  George  B.  Rodney  ..........................................................................  Aug.  22,  1917;  Aug.  25,  1917 

Captain  Varion  D.  Dixon  ..............................................................................  Aug.  26,  1917;  Oct.  28,  1917 

Captain  George  B.  Rodney  ............................................................................  Oct.  29,  1917;  Dec.  24,  1917 

Colonel  DeRosey  C.  Cabell  ..........................................................................  Dec.  25,  1917;  Dec.  26,  1917 

Major  George  B.  Rodney  ................................................................................  Dec.  27.  1917;  Jan.  25,  1918 

Colonel  DeRosey  C.  Cabell  ..........................................................................  Jan.  26,  1918;  Feb.  15,  1918 

Lieut.  Colonel  George  B.  Rodney  ................................................................  Feb.  16,  1918;  Feb.  28,  1918 

Colonel  Frederick  T.  Arnold  ........................................................................  Mar.  1,  1918;  July  10,  1918 

Colonel  George  B.  Rodney  ..........................  _  ................................................  July  11,  1918;  Oct.  29,  1918 

Colonel  Cornelius  C.  Smith  ..........................................................................  Oct.  30,  1918;  Feb.  22,  1919 

Colonel  William  A.  Cornell  .......................................................................  Feb.  23,  1919;  Mar.  28,  1919 

Lieut.  Colonel  Frederick  S.  Snyder  ........................................................  Mar.  29,  1919;  April  12,  1919 

Colonel  George  P.  White  ..........................................................................  April  13,  1919;  Aug.  21,  1919 

Colonel  Guy  Carleton  ....................................................................................  Aug.  22,  1919;  Oct.  23,  1919 

Colonel  George  P.  White  .............................................................................  Oct.  24,  1919;  Nov.  13,  1919 

Colonel  Oren  B.  Meyer  ................................................  ..................................  Nov.  14,  1919;  May  1.  1920 

Colonel  Francis  C.  Marshall  ............................................................................  May  2,  1920;  Aug.  3,  1920 

Lieut.  Colonel  Selwyn  D.  Smith  ................................................................  Aug.  4.  1920;  Aug.  22,  1920 

Colonel  Edwin  B.  Winans  .....  ....Aug.  23,  1920— 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 


95 


n  jetton, 


Sergeant  William  Christy,  Company  F,  Saline  River,  Kansas,  August  2,  1867. 
Private  Thomas  Smith,  Company  F,  near  Fort  Hays,  Kansas,  August  21,  1867. 
Wagoner  Larkin  Foster,  Company  B,  Foster  Springs,  Texas,  September  19,  1871. 
Private  Clark  Young,  Company  M,  Cheyenne  Agency,  T.  T.,  April  12,  1875. 
First  Sergeant  Charles  Butler,  (Company  G,  Lake  Quemado,  Texas,  May  4,  1877. 
Private  Martin  Davis,  Company  C,  Eagle  Springs,  Texas,  July  30,  1880. 
Private  William  Tayler,  Company  F,  Camp  Safford,  Texas,  August  4,  1880. 
Private  Wesley  Hardy,  Campany  H,  Rattlesnake  Springs,  Texas,  August  6,  1880. 
Private  George  Locks,  Company  C,  Eagle  Springs,  Texas,  August  30,  1880. 
Private  Carter  Burns,  Company  B,  Ojo  Caliente,  Texas,  October  28,  1880. 
Private  George  Mills,  Company  B,  Ojo  Caliente,  Texas,  October  28,  1880. 
Corporal  William  Backers,  Company  K,  Ojo  Caliente,  Texas,  October  28,  1880. 
Private  J.  K.  Griffin,  Company  K,  Ojo  Caliente,  Texas,  October  28,  1880. 
Private  James  Stanley,  Company  K,  Ojo  Caliente,  Texas,  October  28,  1880. 
Private  J.  Follis,  Troop  K.  Pinito  Mountains,  Texas,  May  3,  1886. 
Sergeant  Robert  Evans,  Troop  C,  Gaileyville  Canyon,  A.  T.,  June  3,  1886. 
.  Corporal  William  L-  White,  Troop  E,  Las  Guasimas,  Cuba,  June  24,  1898. 
First  Lieutenant  W.  E.  Shipp,  Tenth  Cavalry,  San  Juan,  Cuba,  July  1,  1898. 
First  Lieutenant  W.  H.  Smith,  Tenth  Cavalry,  San  Juan,  Cuba,  July  1,  1898. 
Private  John  H.  Smoot,  Troop  A,  San  Juan,  Cuba,  July  1,  1898. 
Corporal  William  F.  Johnson,  Troop  B,  San  Juan,  Cuba,  July  1,  1898. 
Private  John  H.  Dodson,  Troop  C,  San  Juan.  Cuba.  July  1,  1898. 
Private  George  Stovall,  Troop  D,  San  Juan,  Cuba,  July  1,  1898. 
Private  Wm.  H.  Slaughter,  Troop  G,  San  Juan,  Cuba,  July  1,  1898. 
Captain  Charles  T.  Boyd,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Carrizal,  Mexico,  June  21,  1916. 
First  Lieutenant  Henry  R.  Adair,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Carrizal,  Mexico,  June  21,  1816. 
First  Sergeant  William  Winrow,  Troop  C,  Carrizal,  Mexico,  June  21,  1916. 
Sergeant  Will  Hines,  Troop  C,  Carrizal,  Mexico,  June  21.  1916. 
Private  Thomas  Moses,  Troop  C,  Carrizal,  Mexico,  June  21,  1916. 
Horseshoer  Lee  Talbott,  Troop  C,  Carrizal,  Mexico.  June  21,  1916. 
Private  DeWitt  Rucker,  Troop  K,  Carrizal,  Mexico,  June  21,  1916. 
Private  Charlie  Mathews.  Troop  K.  Carrizal,  Mexico,  June  21.  1916. 

Private  James  E.  Day,  Troop  K,  Carrizal,  Mexico,  June  21,  1916. 

Captain  Joseph  D.  Hungerford,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Nogales,  Arizona,  August  27,  1918. 


96  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 


i\\t 


SALINE  RIVER,  Kansas,  August  2,  1867.    Co.  F.    Cheyennes. 
Near  SALINE  RIVER,  Kansas,  August  21,  1867.     Co.  F.     Cheyennes. 
FORT  HAYS,  Kansas,  September  15,  1867.     Co.  G.     Cheyennes. 
BIG  SANDY  CREEK,  Kansas,  September  15,  1867.     Co.  I.     Cheyennes. 
BEAVER  CREEK,  Kansas,  October  18,  1867.     Cos.  H  and  I.     Comanches. 
CAMP  SUPPLY,  I.  T.,  June  11,  1871.    Cos.  A,  F,  H,  I  and  K.    Comanches. 
DOUBLE  MOUNTAIN,  I.  T.,  February  5,  1874.     Cos.  D  and  G.     Comanches. 
WICHITA,  I.  T.,  August  22-23,  1874.     Hqrs.,  Cos.  C,  E,  H  and  L.     Kiowas  and 
Comanches. 

BUFFALO  SPRINGS,  I.  T.,  April  6,  1875.    Co.  M.    Cheyennes. 

SULPHUR  SPRINGS,  Texas,  July  6,  1875.    Co.  A.     Comanches. 

SARAGOSSA,  Mexico,  July  30,  1876.     Co.  B.     Apaches. 

PINTO  MOUNTAINS,  Mexico,  August  12,  1876.    Cos.  B  and  K.    Apaches. 

PECOS  SPRINGS,  Texas,  September  13,  1876.     Co.  G.     Comanches. 

PECOS  RIVER,  Texas,  October  2,  1876.     Co.  G.     Comanches. 

Near  FORT  GRIFFIN,  Texas,  May  4,  1877.     Co.  G.     Comanches. 

In  MEXICO,  September  29,  1877.     Co.  C.     Comanches. 

SIERRA  CANNEL,  Mexico,  November  29,  1877.     Co.  B.     Alsatti's  Apaches. 

SALT  LAKES,  Texas,  July  29,  1879.     Co.  H.     Comanches. 

PECOS  RIVER,  Texas,  April  2,  1880.     Co.  L.     Comanches. 

SHAKEHAND  SPRINGS,  Texas,  April  30,  1880.     Co.  K.     Comanches. 

TINAJA  DE  LAS  PALMAS,  July  30,  1880.     Hqrs.  and  Band.    Apaches. 

EAGLE  SPRINGS,  Texas,  July  30,  1880.    Cos.  C  and  G.    Apaches. 

ALAMO  SPRINGS,  Texas,  August  3,  1880.    Co.  H.    Apaches. 

Near  CAMP  S  AFFORD,  Texas,  August  7,  1880.    Cos.  F  and  L.     Apaches. 

RATTLESNAKS  SPRINGS,  Texas,  August  7,  1880.    Cos.  B,  C,  G  and  H.    Apaches. 

OJO  CALIENTE,  Texas,  October  28,  1880.     Co.  B.     Comanches. 

PINTO  MOUNTAINS,  Mexico,  May  3.  1886.    Troop  G.    Geronimo's  Apaches. 

WHITE  MOUNTAINS,  Ariz.,  September  18,  1886.    Troop  H.     Capture  of  Mangus. 

LAS  GUASIMAS,  Cuba,  June  24,  1898.     Troops  A.  B.  E  and  I. 

SANTIAGO,  Cuba,  July  1,  2,  3,  1898.     Troops  A,  B,  C,  D,  E,  F,  G  and  I. 

CARRIZAL,  Mexico,  June  21,  1916.     Troops  C  and  K. 

NOGALES,  Arizona,  August  27,  1918.     Troops  A,  C  and  F. 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  97 

APPENDIX  "A." 

Brief  extracts  from  the  Regimental  Returns,  selected  at  random.  These  short  accounts 
of  service  on  the  Old  Frontier  tell  of  days  that  are  gone  forever,  to  the  sorrow  of  the  old 
school  trooper.  The  cavalry  was  the  school  for  courage,  daring,  endurance. 

1868 

.Company  D :  Cottonwood  Grove,  Indian  Territory,  February  25th.  Left  Fort  Arbuckle 
for  Cottonwood  Grove  to  assist  Indian  Agent  in  reclaiming  white  children  held  captive 
by  Indians. 

1876 

Company  C :  Fort  McKavett,  Texis.  The  company  returned  from  scout  duty  in  field 
against  hostiles  after  absence  of  six  months  and  seven  days. 

Company  G :  Fort  Griffin,  Texas.  Corporal  John  Robinson  and  four  men  pursued 
Mexican  horse  thieves,  returned  November  28,  1876;  captured  ten  Mexicans,  fifteen  horses. 
Distance  marched  770  miles. 

1877 

Company  A :  Private  Derwin  died  July  30th  from  want  of  water.  Private  Gordon 
died  July  31st,  being  without  water  for  104  hours.  Privates  Bond  and  Isaacs  missing  since 
July  30th  on  account  of  straggling. 

Headquarters  :  First  Lieutenant  R.  G.  Smither,  Adjutant,  with  effective  force  of  Band 
(16  men),  started  on  scout  August  3rd  to  Bull  Creek,  Texas,  distance  of  140  miles  in  forty- 
one  hours,  for  relief  of  Captain  Nolan's  command  which  was  reported  in  suffering  condition 
on  Staked  Plains,  men  and  horses  dying  from  lack  of  water.  Returned  to  Fort  Concho 
August  14th. 

Company  F :  Camp  on  the  Rio  Grande,  Texas.  Since  last  report  the  company  has 
been  engaged  in  scouting  after  hostile  Indians.  Distance  marched  1500  miles. 

JANUARY,  1878 

Troop  H :  Station  Fort  Davis,  Texas.  Troop  left  Toleta,  Texas,  January  18,  1878, 
where  the  company  had  been  sent  to  suppress  an  insurrection,  arrived  Fort  Davis  January 
27,  1878.  Distance  marched  220  miles. 

Troop  L  :  Station  Fort  Concho,  Texas.  Lieutenant  Esterly  and  ten  enlisted  men  left 
company  January  17,  1878,  in  pursuit  of  hostile  Indians,  returned  January  29,  1878.  Lieu- 
tenant Maxon  and  twenty-four  enlisted  men  left  the  post  January  18,  1878,  in  pursuit  of 
hostile  Indians,  returned  January  30,  1878.  Distance  marched  by  detachments  350  miles. 

FEBRUARY,  1878 

Troop  F:  In  the  field,  camp  on  Palo  Blanco,  Texas.  Doing  patrol  and  escort  duty 
along  the  Rio  Grande.  Distance  marched  955  miles. 

Company  H  :  Station  Fort  Davis,  Texas.  Lieutenant  Ayres  and  twelve  enlisted  men 
left  company  February  17th  in  pursuit  of  Indians  to  Barilla  Springs,  thence  west,  returning 
to  post  February  19th. 

MARCH,  1878 

Company  H':  On  March  13,  1878,  Captain  L.  H.  Carpenter,  Tenth  Cavalry;  Lieutenant 
Ayres,  and  forty  enlisted  men,  left  on  scout  to  Russell's  ranch,  Texas,  and  adjacent  country. 
Marched  to  Davis'  ranch,  Smith's  ranch,  Ferris'  ranch,  Presidio  and  Russet's  ranch  and 
scouted  up  the  Rio  Grande,  returning  to  Russel's  ranch.  Distance  marched  256  miles. 

Company  K  :  The  company  left  Fort  Davis,  Texas.  March  14,  1878,  on  scout  in  search 
of  hostile  Indians,  and  proceeded  in  the  direction  of  the  mouth  of  San  Francisco  Creek, 
Texas,  southeast  of  Fort  Davis.  Distance  marched  192  miles. 


98  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

APRIL,  1878 

Company  B :  Lieutenant  John  Bigelow,  Jr.,  and  twenty-five  men  left  Fort  Stockton, 
Texas,  April  15,  1878,  in  pursuit  of  hostile  Indians,  marched  a  southeast  course,  returning 
to  post  April  24,  1878.  Distance  marched  350  miles. 

Company  H  :  Captain  L.  H.  Carpenter  and  Second  Lieutenant  C.  G.  Ayres,  and  forty 
enlisted  men,  returned  from  Russel's  ranch  and  vicinity.  Distance  marched  175  miles. 

Company  K:  The  company  left  Pinto  Blanco  April  1,  1878,  and  continued  on  scout  in 
search  of  hostile  Indians,  returning  to  post  April  15,  1878.  Distance  marched  427  miles. 
April  21,  1878,  a  detachment  of  the  company,  consisting  of  one  N.  'C.  O  and  nine  privates, 
under  command  of  Lieutenant  Geddes,  Twenty-fifth  Infantry,  left  post  in  search  of  hostile 
Indians  and  returned  April  30,  1878.  Distance  marched  270  miles. 

JUNE,  1878 

Company  B :  Lieutenant  Beck,  with  twenty  enlisted  men,  left  company  on  June  29, 
1878,  in  search  of  parties  of  Indians  who  had  attacked  stage  near  Pecos  Station. 

Lieutenant  Bigelow  and  fifteen  enlisted  men  returned  to  post  June  3,  1878,  from  pursuit 
of  hostile  Indians,  and  left  the  post  June  7,  1878,  to  watch  the  approach  of  marauding 
Indians  from  direction  of  Concho,  Texas,  returning  June  14,  1878.  Distance  marched  by 
detachments  620  miles. 

Company  F:  Company  lefr  Fort  Concho,  Texas,  June  26,  1878,  on  scout  for  marauding 
Indians.  No  trail  found ;  bad  weather  during  scout  causing  much  suffering  to  men  and 
horses.  Returned  to  post  June  27,  1878.  Distance  marched  510  miles. 

JULY,  1878 

Company  B  :  Lieutenant  Beck  with  twenty  enlisted  men  returned  to  post  July  4,  1878, 
having  been  scouting  for  stage  robbers  since  June  28,  1878. 

Company  E:  Company  left  San  Felipe,  Texas,  July  25,  1878,  on  a  fresh  trail  in  pursuit 
of  cattle  thieves,  marched  to  San  Vincente,  Mexico,  and  returned  to  and  recrossed  the  Rio 
Grande  River  into  Texas  the  same  day,  having  captured  most  of  the  stolen  stock,  and 
returned  to  post  July  26,  1878. 

Company  K :  Captain  Lebo  and  twenty  enlisted  men  left  Fort  Davis,  Texas,  July  12, 
1878,  in  pursuit  of  hostile  Indians  and  returned  July  24,  1878.  Second  Lieutenant  Read  and 
ten  enlisted  men  left  the  company  July  7,  1878,  in  pursuit  of  hostile  Indians  and  returned 
July  16,  1878.  Distance  marched  by  these  detachments  493  miles. 

AUGUST,  1878 

Company  E:  San  Felipe,  Texas.  The  company  left  post  August  15th  and  crossed 
the  Rio  Grande  into  Mexico  in  pursuit  of  Mexican  murderers,  and  returned  to  post  August 
18,  1878. 

Company  G :  Fort  Sill,  I.  T.  The  company  left  the  post  on  detached  service  August 
11,  1878,  per  S.  O.  174,  c.  s.,  Ft.  Sill,  I.  T.,  to  enforce  the  return  of  Big  Bow  (Chief)  with 
his  band  of  Kiowas,  and  returned  with  the  Indians  August  22,  1878.  Distance  marched  202 
miles. 

MAY,  1879 

Company  A :  In  the  field,  Canon  Blanco,  Texas.  Company  left  -Fort  Elliott,  Texas, 
May  18,  1879,  in  pursuit  of  fugitive  Comanche  Indians.  Distance  marched  219  miles. 

Company  K :  Fort  Davis,  Texas.  Second  Lieutenant  R.  D.  Read,  Jr.,  left  the  post 
May  6,  1879,  with  a  detachment  of  eight  enlisted  men  in  search  of  hostile  Indians.  Re- 
turned to  post  May  10,  1879.  Distance  marched  145  miles. 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 


99 


JOHN  J.  PERSHING 
1ST  LIEUT.,  10TH  CAV. 


Company  L :  In  the  field,  Santa  Rosa,  Texas.  Company  scouted  from  the  Pecos 
toward  the  Sand  Hills,  to  Victoria  Mountains  and  Seven  Springs,  Toyah  Creek,  Ropes 
Wells,  Texas,  and  crossing  Delaware  River,  N.  M. ;  Black  River,  N.  M. ;  Seven  River,  and 
near  the  Guadalupe  Mountains,  back  to  Santa  Rosa,  Texas,  making  three  dry  camps,  which 
caused  several  animals  to  fag  somewhat,  but  not  a  horse  or  mule  was  lost,  every  man  and 
animal  being  able  to  make  the  same  march  in  three  days'  less  time  than  was  consumed  in 
the  present  one,  without  injury  to  man  or  beast.  Several  new  crossings  on  the  Pecos  River 
were  made.  Only  a  few  old  signs  of  Indians  were  discovered.  Distance  marched  by  com- 
pany and  detachments  1426  miles. 


100  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

JUNE,  1879 

Company  A :  The  company  was  in  the  field  since  May  18,  1879,  in  pursuit  of  fugitive 
Comanches  from  Fort  Sill,  I.  T. 

JULY,  1879 

Company  C :  In  the  field,  Texas.  The  company  has  heen  engaged  in  scouting  and  in 
pursuit  of  hostile  Indians  during  the  month.  Distance  marched  by  company  1050  miles. 

AUGUST,  1879 

Company  H  :  Fort  Davis,  Texas.  July  19,  1879,  a  detachment  of  twelve  men  under 
the  command  of  Captain  M.  L.  Courtney,  Twenty-fifth  Infantry,  on  scout  from  Eagle 
Springs,  Texas,  engaged  a  party  of  hostile  Indians  near  Salt  Lakes,  Texas,  in  which  fight 
Corporal  William  J.  Webb  and  Private  Geo.  W.  Foster,  Company  H,  were  wounded,  and 
one  horse  was  killed. 

SEPTEMBER,  1879 

Company  B  :  In  the  field,  Texas.  The  company  left  Camp  Santa  Rosa,  Texas,  Septem- 
ber 17,  1879,  and  scouting  in  the  Sand  Hills  along  the  Pocos  and  over  the  country  between 
camp  and  Emigrant  Crossing.  Returned  to  post  September  20th.  Lieutenant  McMartin 
returned  to  camp  September  7,  1879,  with  his  detachment,  having  inarched  742  miles  in 
pursuit  of  hostile  Indians  and  recovered  twenty-nine  stolen  horses.  Distance  marched  by 
detachments  963J/2  miles. 

MARCH,  1880 

Headquarters :  At  the  falls  of  the  Pecos  River,  Texas.  Colonel  B.  H.  Grierson,  com- 
manding District  of  the  Pecos ;  First  Lieutenant  R.  G.  Smither,  A.  A.  A.  G.,  and  detach- 
ment of  N.  C.  S.,  and  Band  Tenth  Cavalry,  left  post  March  23,  1880,  with  a  view  of  organ- 
izing an  expedition  consisting  of  Companies  D,  E,  F,  K  and  L,  Tenth  Cavalry,  and  detach- 
ment of  Twenty-fifth  Infantry,  as  train  guard  to  operate  against  and  to  assist  in  the  dis- 
arming and  dismounting  the  Mcscalero  Apache  Indians  at  Mcscalero  Agency,  X.  M. 
Distance  marched  203  miles. 

APRIL,  1880 

Headquarters :  Near  Guadalupe  Creek  Canon,  X.  M.  Left  Pecos  Falls,  Texas,  April 
1st  and  arrived  at  Mescalero  Agency,  X.  M.,  April  12,  1880,  from  the  southeast  and 
reported  to  Colonel  Edward  Hatch,  Xinth  Cavalry,  commanding  District  of  XTew  Mexico. 
Left  the  agency  April  20th  and  scouted  the  Sacramento  and  Guadalupe  Mountains  in  all 
directions  in  a  thorough  manner.  Participated  in  several  small  skirmishes  with  the  Indians 
April  2nd,  9th,  16th  and  20th,  and  assisted  in  the  disarming  and  dismounting  of  Indians  at 
agency  on  the  10th,  conducting  Indian  stock  to  Fort  Stanton,  and  guarding  Indian  prisoners. 
Distance  marched  564  miles. 

Company  K :  Sculptured  Tanks,  Guadalupe  Mountains,  XT.  M.  Left  Agua  Salada 
Water  Holes,  Texas,  April  1st,  arrived  at  Black  River  Falls,  N.  M.,  inarched  thence  north- 
ward through  the  Guadalupe  Mountains  by  way  of  Guadalupe  Creek  to  the  Rio  Panasco 
in  the  Sacramento  Mountains,  thence  to  the  agency  and  took  part  in  the  disarming  and 
dismounting  the  Mescalero  Indians.  April  9th  struck  the  camp  of  a  small  party  of  Mes- 
caleros  at  Shakehand  Springs,  N.  M.  Killed  one  buck,  captured  four  squaws  and  one  child, 
released  from  captivity  a  small  Mexican  boy  (Cayetena  Segura)  aged  11.  Captured  twenty- 
one  head  of  horses  and  mules  and  destroyed  their  camp.  Distance  marched  4l7l/2  miles. 

Company  L:  In  the  field,  Gardener's  Ranch,  X.  M.  Lieutenant  Esterly  and  detach- 
ment rejoined  April  5,  1880,  overtook  Indians  with  stolen  horses  on  April  2nd  half  way 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  101 

between  White  Sand  Hills  and  Pecos  River ;  wounded  one  Indian,  captured  and  abandoned 
eight  horses,  lost  one  pack  mule,  and  was  forty-eight  hours  without  water.  Company 
arrived  at  Mescalero  Agency  April  12th.  April  16th  took  part  in  affairs  against  Mescalero 
Apaches.  One  Indian  supposed  to  have  been  killed  or  wounded ;  four  horses  killed,  and 
two  horses  and  three  mules  captured.  Left  agency  April  20th  for  Silver  Springs  on  fresh 
trail  overtook  party  of  four  or  five  in  number  same  afternoon  and  killed  one  Indian  and 
captured  five  horses.  Distance  maiched  by  company  440  miles;  detachments  220  miles. 

JULY,  1880 

Company  C:  In  the  field,  Texas.  Left  Fort  Davis,  Texas,  July  25,  1880;  arrived  at 
Eagle  Springs,  Texas,  July  29th.  Engaged  party  of  hostile  Indians  on  Quitman  Road  July 
30th ;  lost  one  man,  and  five  horses  killed  and  one  horse  and  one  pack  mule  wounded. 
Distance  marched  138  miles. 

Company  G:  Eagle  Springs,  Texas.  Left  Camp  Charlotte,  Texas,  July  1,  1880,  arrived 
at  Fort  Stockton,  Texas,  July  6th.  Engaged  with  hostile  Apaches  July  30th  at  Rocky  Ridge 
near  Eagle  Springs,  Texas.  Lieutenant  Colladay  and  Private  Samuel  Prescott  wounded, 
and  five  horses  lost,  killed  and  wounded.  Distance  marched  333  miles. 

AUGUST,  1880 

Company  A :  Near  old  Fort  Quitman,  Texas.  Left  Eagle  Springs,  Texas,  August  2nd 
and  marched  to  Van  Horn's  Wells ;  August  3rd,  marched  to  Devil's  Race  Course ;  August 
4th,  marched  to  Rattle  Snaks  Springs ;  6th,  7th  and  8th,  engaged  in  scouting  and  picketing 
the  passes  of  the  Sierra  Diablo;  August  10th,  marched  to  Ash  Springs;  August  llth,  dis 
covered  and  followed  trail  of  Victoria's  band  of  Apaches  from  8  p.  m.  until  1 1  :45  a.  m.  of 
the  10th,  when,  after  marching  and  reaching  the  Rio  Grande,  the  pursuit  ended  by  reason 
of  the  enemy  crossing  the  river  into  Mexico.  Distance  marched  by  company  and  detach- 
ments 748  miles. 

Company  F :  Camp  Safford,  Texas.  Detachment  of  company  under  Sergeant  Richard- 
son in  action  with  Indians  on  August  4th  in  which  Private  William  Taylor  was  killed.  The 
detachment  being  repulsed  and  driven  from  their  horses,  causing  the  abandonment  of  some 
five  horses  completely  caparisoned  and  equipped,  all  of  which  fell  into  the  hands  of  the 
Indians.  On  August  6th,  while  Captain  Kennedy  with  command  was  in  pursuit  of  the  other 
Indians,  a  small  party  consisting  of  two  bucks  and  one  or  two  squaws  was  encountered 
and  in  the  firing  at  the  Indians  which  ensued  one  of  the  squaws  was  shot  and  killed,  one 
pony  killed  and  one  taken  with  command.  Distance  inarched  by  company  and  detachments 
735  miles. 

Company  G :  Sulphur  Water  Hole,  Texas.  Left  Eagle  Springs,  Texas,  August  3rd, 
arrived  at  Van  Horn,  Texas,  the  same  night ;  August  4th,  5th  marched  to  Rattle  Snaks 
Springs,  Texas ;  August  6th  engaged  with  hostile  Indians  near  Rattle  Snake  Springs.  No 
casualties.  August  7th  marched  to  Sulphur  Water  Hole,  Texas.  August  3rd  Private  Julius 
London,  one  of  a  party  of  scouts,  was  engaged  and  wounded  in  action  with  hostile  Apaches 
near  Eagle  Springs,  Texas.  Distance  marched  1256  miles. 

Company  II  :  Near  Hot  Springs,  Texas.  August  1st  engaged  in  furnishing  pickets  and 
scouts  from  Eagle  Springs,  Texas.  August  3rd  Corporal  A.  Weaver,  with  Private  Brent 
of  H  company  and  a  small  detail  from  other  companies,  while  on  picket  at  Alamo  Springs 
discovered  Victoria's  band  of  Indians  after  they  had  crossed  the  Rio  Grande  and  had  an 
engagement  and  running  fight  for  fifteen  miles.  August  3rd  left  Eagle  Springs  in  pursuit 
of  Victoria's  band ;  marched  to  Van  Horn  and  thence  to  Devil's  Race  Course,  thence  across 


102  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

to  the  Rattle  Snake  Springs;  August  6th  participated  in  an  engagement  with  Victoria's  band 
with  Companies  B,  C  and  G,  under  command  of  Captain  L.  H.  Carpenter,  the  Indians  being 
repulsed  and  fleeing  to  the  mountains.  Private  Wesley  Hardy  missing  in  action.  Distance 
inarched  by  company  and  detachments  1250  miles. 

Company  K:  Near  Ojo  Caliente,  Texas.  From  August  1st  to  7th  was  engaged  in 
scouting  in  and  about  the  Sierra  Diablo.  On  learning  that  Victoria  was  making  at  attempt 
to  cross  the  Rio  Grande  near  Ojo  Caliente,  August  1st  discovered  fresh  trail  of  a  party  of 
Indians  in  the  Sierra  Diablo,  followed  it  about  six  miles  to  the  eastern  slope  of  the  moun- 
tains and  found  their  camp,  which  they  had  evidently  abandoned  in  great  haste,  leaving 
behind  a  number  of  ponies  and  cattle,  also  a  great  quantity  of  slaughtered  beef  (twelve  or 
fifteen  head)  which  was  being  prepared  for  drying,  all  of  which  was  captured  or  destroyed. 
Followed  their  trail  August  2nd  and  3rd,  finding  several  ponies  and  pack  mules  with  their 
equipment  and  cargo  of  fresh  beef,  etc.,  abandoned  on  the  trail.  The  Indians,  being  on  the 
alert,  had  taken  to  flight  in  due  time  and  made  good  their  escape  to  the  Guadalupe  Moun- 
tains during  the  night  of  the  1st.  This  was,  without  doubt,  the  advance  supply  camp  for 
Victoria's  band  of  Apaches,  who  were  then  making  endeavors  to  reach  this  point.  Distance 
marched  by  company  and  detachments  1442  miles. 

SEPTEMBER,  1880 

Headquarters :  Fort  Concho,  Texas.  Colonel  Grierson,  with  four  men  of  N.  C.  S.  and 
Band,  has  been  operating  in  the  field  against  Victoria  and  his  band  of  Indians  since  July 
10,  1380.  They  were  driven  across  the  Rio  Grande  twice.  In  the  fight  at  Tenaja  del  Las 
Palomas  July  30th  Colonel  Grierson,  his  son  Robert,  Lieutenant  Beck  and  seven  men 
fought  about  seventy-five  Indians. 

Company  A  :     During  the  month  the  company  marched  900  miles. 

Company  B:     During  the  month  the  company  and  detachments  marched  1242  miles. 

Company  H  :     During  the  month  the  company  and  detachments  marched  1281   miles. 

Company  I:     During  the  month  the  company  and  detachments  marched  1004  miles. 

OCTOBER,  1880 

Company  B :  In  the  field  on  Rio  Grande  below  Ojo  Caliente,  Texas,  engaged  in 
patrolling  and  scouting  the  Rio  Grande.  October  28th,  before  daybreak  at  Ojo  Caliente, 
while  on  picket  duty  Privates  Carter  Burns  and  George  Mills,  with  a  detachment  com- 
manded by  Sergeant  Charles  Perry,  were  surprised  and  killed  by  Indians  supposed  to  be 
thirty-five  or  forty  strong.  Distance  marched  by  company  and  detachments  1097  miles. 

Company  E :     During  the  month  the  company  and  detachments  marched  1480  miles. 

Company  H  :     During  the  month  the  company  and  detachments  marched  2958  miles. 

JANUARY,  1884 

Troop  M :  Pena  Colorado,  Texas.  Saddler  Leve  Ross  mortally  wounded,  Sergeant 
\Vinfield  Scott  and  Private  Augustus  Dover  slightly  wounded  while  under  command  of 
Lieutenant  Eggleston  attempting  to  arrest  a  desperado  on  the  military  reservation.  The 
desperado,  W.  A.  Alexander,  was  killed  while  resisting  arrest. 

MAY,  1886 

Troop  K:  Pantana,  A.  T.,  in  the  field.  Left  Calabasas  May  1st  in  pursuit  of  hostile 
Indians,  and  on  the  3rd  had  an  engagement  with  Geronimo's  band  of  hostile  Apaches  in 
the  Pinto  Mountains,  Mexico.  Killed  two  bucks,  and  another  supposed  to  be  badly  wounded. 
Private  Follis  killed,  Corporal  Scott  badly  wounded,  two  horses  killed,  one  wounded  and 
four  missing  while  following  the  trail.  On  the  2nd  and  3rd  the  Indians  shot  and  aban- 
doned about  thirty  head  of  horses,  ponies  and  mules. 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  103 

OCTOBER,  1886 

Troop  H  :  Fort  Apache,  A.  T.  Captain  Cooper  in  command  of  twenty  men  of.  the 
troop  left  post  on  September  14,  1886,  and  on  the  18th  found  trail  of  hostile  Indians  about 
twenty-five  miles  east  of  Thomas  Peak  of  White  Mountains,  Arizona;  pursued  them  for 
forty-five  miles  over  a  rugged  and  almost  inaccessible  country,  overtook  them  and  after  a 
running  fight  of  fifteen  miles  captured  the  entire  band,  consisting  of  Chief  Mangus,  two 
bucks,  three  squaws,  two  boys,  rations,  blankets,  and  everything  they  possessed,  turned  over 
to  the  C.  O.,  Fort  Apache. 


APPENDIX  "B" 
Reports  on  the  action  at  Las  Cuasimas,  Cuba,  June  24,  1898: 

CAMP   TENTH    CAVALRY 

Near  Santiago  de  Cuba,  June  28,  1898. 
The  Adjutant  General,  Second  Brigade,  Cavalry  Division,  Fifth  Army  Corps. 

Sir :     In  connection  with  the  action  that  took  place  on  the  24th  instant  at  Las  Guasimas 

between   troops  of  the  brigade  and   Spaniards,   I   have   the  honor  to   submit   the   following. 

to  accompany  the  reports  of  the  troop  commanders  of  the  First  Squadron,  Tenth  Cavalry: 

The   reports   referred   to   cover   the   part   taken   by   each   organization,   and   attention  "is 

respectfully  invited  to  the  same. 

As  the  fight  took  place  under  the  eyes  and  direction  of  the  brigade  commander,  I  will 
only  testify  to  the  good  and  brave  conduct  of  every  officer  and  enlisted  man  belonging  to 
the  four  troops  of  the  First  Squadron,  Tenth  Cavalry. 

The  designations  of  the  troops,  together  with  the  names  of  the  officers  belonging  to 
the  same,  who  took  part  in  the  action,  are  as  follows : 

Troop  A,  Captain  William  H.  Beck  and  Second  Lieutenant  F.  R.  McCoy. 
Troop  B,  Captain  J.  W.  Watson  and  Second  Lieutenant  H.  O.  Williard. 
Troop  E,  Captain  C.  G.  Ayres  and  Second  Lieutenant  George  Viclmer. 
Troop  I,  First  Lieutenant  R.  J.  Fleming  and  Second  Lieutenant  A.  M.  Miller. 
Attached  to  the  squadron  as  medical  officer  was  First  Lieutenant  L.  A.  Fuller,  Assistant 
Surgean,  United  States  Army. 

Very  respectfully, 

S.  T.  NORVELL, 

Major,  Tenth  Cavalry, 
Commanding   First    Squadron. 


In  the  Field,  near  Santiago  de  Cuba,  June  27,  1898. 
The  Adjutant,  Tenth  Cavalry. 

Sir  •  In  obedience  to  verbal  instructions  of  this  date,  I  report  as  follows  relative  to 
the  affair  of  June  24  with  the  Spaniards  at  Las  Guasimas : 

Shortly  after  the  Hotchkiss  guns,  under  Captain  Watson's  direction,  opened  fire  upon 
the  Spanish  position  and  the  squadron  of  the  First  United  States  Cavalry  had  been 
deployed  in  front  of  the  works  occupied  by  vhem,  I  was  directed  to  take  my  troop  (A. 
Tenth  Cavalry)  and  proceed  to  the  left  of  Captain  Galbraith's  troop  of  the  First  Cavalry, 
which  was  on  the  left  of  the  First  Cavalry  Squadron,  and  support  him.  This  I  immediately 
proceeded  to  do.  1  found  Captain  Galbraith's  troop,  and  after  a  short  consultation  with 
him  extended  his  line  with  my  troop  and  pushed  the  line  parallel  to  the  hill  upon  which 
the  Spaniards  were  located.  The  First  Cavalry  Squadron  was  pushing  its  line  forward  in 
their  front.  I  judged  this  by  their  firing.  My  line  was  at  right  angle,  approximately,  to 
that  of  the  First  Cavalry  as  I  proceeded  on  the  extension  of  Galbraith's  line. 

Finding  that  the  hill  to  the  south  of  that  upon  which  the  Spaniards  were  located  was, 
in  my  judgment,  too  far  for  effective  carbine  firing,  I  moved  steadily  on,  deflecting  to  the 
right,  and  proceeding  on  the  southern  slope  of  the  hill  upon  which  the  Spaniards  were 
entrenched,  nearly  reaching  the  summit,  when  I  discovered  the  First  United  States  Vol- 
unteers on  my  left  and  communicated  with  them,  stating  what  troop  I  commanded.  This 
made  the  line  continuous  from  the  right  of  the  First  United  States  Cavalry  Squadron  to 
the  left  of  the  First  United  States  Volunteers.  I  continued  my  line  of  march  until  I 


104  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

reached  the  summit  of  the  hill  upon  which  the  Spaniards  were  intrenched,  to  the  south  and 
west  of  their  works.  I  sent  Lieutenant  McCoy,  of  my  troop,  along  the  ridge  to  discover 
if  the  Spaniards  still  occupied  their  works.  He  returned,  reporting  that  they  had  left. 

While  I  was  proceeding  as  above  stated  I  heard  heavy  firing  in  the  direction  in  which 
I  was  pushing,  which  I  ascertained  afterwards  was  the  firing  occasioned  by  the  attack  of 
the  First  United  States  Volunteers  upon  the  Spaniards  in  their  front. 

During  my  entire  march  I  received  the  fire  from  the  enemy  at  times,  but  could  not 
see  him,  and  reached  the  point  at  which  I  was  aiming  to  intercept  the  Spaniards  on  their 
retreat  but  a  few  moments  after  they  had  fled. 

The  side  of  the  hill  was  extremely  rough,  covered  with  Spanish  daggers,  dense  chaparral 
of  all  kinds,  and  rocky,  making  it  impossible  to  see  for  any  distance. 

After  receiving  Mr.  McCoy's  report  I  crossed  the  summit  of  the  hill  and  marched 
down  the  north  side,  thus  completely  covering  the  ground  occupied  by  the  Spaniards  in  our 
immediate  front. 

I  found  toward  the  eastern  part  of  the  summit  a  wounded  man  of  B  Troop,  Tenth 
Cavalry,  and  a  number  of  stragglers  from  the  First  Cavalry,  and  troops  of  the  Tenth 
Cavalry,  whom  I  brought  in. 

I  will  add  that  the  enlisted  men  of  A  Troop,  Tenth  Cavalry,  behaved  well,  silently  and 
alertly  obeying  orders,  and  without  becoming  excited  when  the  fire  of  the  enemy  reached 
them. 

I  am,  sir,  very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

WM.  H.   BECK, 
Captain,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Commanding  Troop  A. 


Sevilla,  Santiago  de  Cuba,  June  27,  1898. 
The  Adjutant,  Tenth  United  States  Cavalry,  Headquarters  of  Regiment  in  Field. 

Sir :     I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report : 

At  about  7:15  to  7:20  a.  in.,  June  24,  1898,  Troop  B,  Tenth  Cavalry,  was  marching  along 
the  road  or  trail,  leading  from  Altares  to  Santiago  de  Cuba.  A  few  minutes  after  I  heard 
several  shots,  and  directly  the  squadron  of  the  Tenth  Cavalry  was  halted,  my  troop  being 
about  twenty  yards  from  a  little  creek  directly  in  front  and  thick  brush  on  the  left,  the 
right  being  slightly  more  open.  About  this  time  a  volley  from  the  Spanish  was  fired ;  the 
iirst  I  heard  at  about  7:30  a.  m.,  1  should  judge.  I  cautioned  the  men  to  lie  down  on  the 
left  side  of  the  road  and  keep  in  the  shelter  as  much  as  possible.  A  few  minutes  after  this 
Troop  A,  Tenth  Cavalry,  was  ordered  to  the  left  of  the  line,  and  I  was  ordered  by  Major 
Norvell,  Tenth  Cavalry,  to  report  to  Brigadier  General  Young,  U.  S.  Volunteers,  for 
instructions.  I  did  so  immediately.  The  general  was  standing  in  a  most  exposed  position, 
about  thirty  to  forty  yards  beyong  the  creek  already  spoken  of,  slightly  in  rear  of  the 
flotchkiss  gun  battery.  The  general  ordered  me  to  move  my  troop  out  in  the  extreme 
right  at  once,  prolonging  the  line  of  the  .birst  United  States  Cavalry,  already  there.  I 
ordered  the  truop  forward  at  once,  telling  them  to  take  advantage  of  all  cover  available, 
in  the  meantime  the  volleys  from  the  Spanish  were  coming  in  quite  frequently  and  striking 
the  ground  on  all  sides  near  where  we  were.  I  found  it  very  difficult  to  move  the  men 
forward  after  having  found  cover,  and  ran  back  to  a  portion  of  the  troop  near  an  old  brick 
wall,  and  ordered  them  forward  at  once.  They  then  made  a  dash  forward,  and  in  doing 
so  three  or  four  men  were  wounded, 'Private  Russel  severely.  Who  the  others  were  I  do 
not  know.  We  encountered  a  severe  fire  directly  after  this  move  forward,  and  Private 
Wheeler  was  wounded  in  the  left  leg.  There  was  a  wire  fence  on  our  right,  and  such  thick 
underbrush  that  we  were  unable  to  get  through  right  there,  so  had  to  follow  along  the 
fence  for  some  distance  before  being  able  to  penetrate.  Finally,  was  able  to  get  the 
greater  portion  of  my  men  through,  and  about  this  time  T  met  Lieutenants  Fleming  and 
Miller,  Tenth  Cavalry,  moving  through  the  thicket  on  my  left.  I  there  heard  the  order 
passed  on  "not  to  fire  ahead,"  as  there  was  danger  of  firing  into  our  own  forces.  In  the 
meantime  there  was  shouting  from  the  First  Cavalry  in  our  front,  "Don't  fire  on  us  in  the 
rear."  My  troop  had  not  fired  a  shot  to  my  knowledge,  nor  the  knowledge  of  any  non- 
commissioned officers  in  the  troop.  About  this  time  I  found  I  was  unable  to  keep  the 
troop  deployed,  as  they  would  huddle  up  behind  one  rock  or  tree,  so  I  gave  all  sergeants 
orders  to  move  out  on  the  extreme  right  and  to  keep  in  touch  with  those  on  their  left. 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  105 

Then,  with  a  squad  of  about  five  men,  I  moved  to  the  right  front,  and  was  unfortunate 
enough  to  lose  the  troop,  i.  e.,  1  could  see  nothing  of  them  except  the  men  with  me.  Bur 
as  I  had  given  explicit  instructions  to  my  sergeants,  in  case  I  was  lost  from  them,  to 
continue  to  advance  until  halted  by  some  one  in  authority,  I  moved  ahead  myself,  hoping 
to  find  them  later  on.  In  making  a  rush  forward  three  men  of  my  squad  were  lost  from 
me  in  some  way.  I  still  had  two  men  with  me,  Privates  Combs  and  Jackson,  and  in  the 
next  advance  made  1  picked  up  a  First  Cavalry  sergeant  who  had  fallen  out  from  ex- 
haustion. After  a  terrible  climb  up  the  ridge  in  front  of  me,  and  a  very  regular  though 
effective  fire  from  the  enemy  kept  up  until  we  were  about  sixty  yards  from  the  summit  of 
hill,  we  reached  the  advance  line  of  the  First  United  States  Cavalry,  under  command  of 
Captain  Waimvright.  1  then  reported  to  him  for  orders,  and  moved  forward  when  he 
next  advanced.  The  firing  had  ceased,  and  no  more  shots  were  fired,  to  my  knowledge, 
after  this  time.  With  the  First  Cavalry,  Troop  G,  we  followed  along  the  right  of  the 
ridge  and  down  to  the  right  front,  encountering  no  opposition  or  fire  from  the  enemy, 
but  finding  the  enemy's  breastworks  in  confusion,  ammunition  and  articles  of  clothing  scat- 
tered around ;  also  one  dead  Spaniard  and  two  Mauser  rifles.  At  the  foot  of  the  ridge  we 
met  some  of  the  First  Volunteer  Cavalry,  and,  being  utterly  exhausted,  I  was  obliged  to 
lie  down.  Soon  after,  Captain  Mills,  Adjutant  General  of  the  Second  Brigade,  Cavalry 
Division,  came  up  to  where  I  was  and  placed  me  in  command  of  Troop  K,  First  United 
States  Cavalry,  whose  officers  were  wounded.  1  then  marched  them  forward  on  the  road 
to  where  General  Wheeler  was  sitting,  and  received  orders  from  Colonel  Wood,  First 
Volunteer  Cavalry,  to  remain  until  further  orders  and  make  no  further  advance.  Directly 
afterwards,  learing  the  action  was  over,  I  reported  back  to  General  Young,  and  received 
orders  to  remain  camped  with  the  First  Cavalry  Squadron,  where  the  action  had  closed. 
In  the  meantime,  I  should  have  stated  that  I  had  found  the  principal  part  of  my  troop, 
and  collected  them  and  left  them  under  the  first  sergeant,  when  I  went  back  to  receive 
orders.  So  far  as  I  know,  and  to  the  best  of  my  knowledge,  the  men  of  my  troop  acted 
with  the  greatest  bravery,  advancing  on  an  enemy  who  could  not  be  seen,  and  subjected  to 
a  severe  and  heavy  fire  at  each  step,  which  was  only  rendered  ineffective  to  a  great  degree 
by  the  poor  marksmanship  of  the  enemy,  as  many  times  we  were  in  sight  of  them,  (I  dis- 
covered this  by  observation  after  the  engagement),  while  we  could  see  nothing.  We  were 
also  subjected  to  a  severe  reverse  fire  from  the  hills  in  our  right  rear,  several  men  being 
wounded  by  this  tire.  Throughout  the  fight  the  men  acted  with  exceptional  coolness,  in 
my  judgment. 

The  casualties  were:  Privates  Russell,  Braxton,  and  Morris,  severely  wounded;  Pri- 
vates F.  A.  Miller,  Grice,  Wheeler,  and  Gaines,  slightly  wounded,  i.  e.,  less  severely.  None 
killed. 

Very  respectfully, 

HARRY  O.  WILLIARD, 

Second   Lieutenant,   Tenth   United   States   Cavalry,   Commanding  Troop    B,   Tenth    Cavalry, 
during  action  near  Las  Guasimas,  June  24,  1898. 


The  Assistant  Adjutant  General,  Young's  Brigade.     (Through  Squadron  Commander). 

Sir :  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  on  the  24th  instant  two  commissioned  officers  and 
fifty-three  enlisted  men  of  Troop  E,  Tenth  Cavalry,  went  into  action,  with  other  troops  of 
the  brigade,  against  the  regular  Spanish  infantry,  and  were  placed  by  General  Young  in 
person  in  support  of  Captain  J.  W.  Watson's  (Tenth  Cavalry),  two  Hotchkiss  guns,  and 
also  to  support  the  troops  in  our  front  should  they  need  it.  The  position  of  the  troop  was 
in  plain  view  of  the  Spaniards,  who  occupied  a  high  ridge  and  had  the  exact  range ;  but 
pursuant  to  their  instructions  they  held  their  positions  one  hour  and  a  quarter  without 
tiring  a  shot,  for  fear  of  firing  upon  our  own  men.  Their  coolness  and  fine  discipline  were 
superb. 

In  connection  herewith,  it  gives  me  great  pleasure  to  call  attention  to  the  great  gal^- 
lantry  of  Second  Lieutenant  George  Vidmer,  Tenth  Cavalry,  and  Privates  Burr  Neal,  W. 
B.  Nelson,  Augustus  Wally,  and  A.  C.  White,  who,  under  a  very  heavy  fire,  came  to  my 


106  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

assistance  in  carrying  Major  Bell,  First  Cavalry,  to  a  place  of  safety,  he  being  shot  through 
the  leg  below  the  knee  and  his  leg  broken. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

CHARLES  G.  AYERS, 

Captain,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Commanding  Troop  E. 

One  corporal,  W.  S.  White,  Rilled,  and  Trumpeter  W.  H.  Johnson  slightly  wounded. 

C.  G.  AYRES, 

Captain  Tenth  Cavalry. 

Second  Brigade,  Cavalry  Division. 
(Through  Military  Channels.) 

Sir :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  operations  of  Troop  I, 
Tenth  Cavalry,  under  my  command  in  the  action  of  the  24th  of  June  : 

Strength  of  troop :  Officers — First  Lieutenant  R.  J.  Fleming,  Tenth  Cavalry,  command- 
ing Troop  1 ;  Second  Lieutenant  A.  M.  Miller,  Tenth  Cavalry.  Enlisted  men — Sergeants, 
7 ;  corporals,  6 ;  privates,  37 ;  total,  50.  Aggregate,  52. 

The  troop  was  on  road  leading  out  into  space  where  action  commenced,  and  was  the 
third  troop  in  the  Tenth  Cavalry  Squadron.  In  this  position  the  troop  was  well  protected 
by  high  banks  on  either  side  of  the  road.  I  heard  an  order  from  the  brigade  commander 
to  the  squadron  commander,  Major  Norvell,  to  send  forward  two  troops  of  the  Tenth 
Cavalry.  Not  knowing  that  Captain  Beck's  troop  had  already  gone  forward,  I  did  not 
immediately  move  out,  until  B  troop,  in  my  front,  had  gone  about  thirty  yards.  Then  the 
squadron  commander  informed  me  that  I  should  also  go  forward.  I  moved  out,  with 
troop  inclined  to  the  right,  into  the  thick  underbrush  on  the  right  of  road,  then  moved 
forward  until  left  of  my  troop  rested  against  old  fence  where  the  hospital  was  afterwards 
placed.  In  this  movement  to  the  right  I  passed  beyond  B  troop,  which  I  found  posted  just 
as  1  entered  woods  on  right  of  road.  This  troop,  as  we  moved  forward,  inclined  to  the 
right,  and  during  the  remainder  of  action  was  on  my  right.  Up  to  this  time  I  had  no 
knowledge  of  the  position  of  the  enemy. 

While  the  troop  was  in  this  position,  with  left  against  wooden  fence,  I  moved  out  into 
the  open  space  on  the  left  and  met  Major  Bell,  First  Cavalry,  who  informed  me  that  the 
First  Cavalry  was  in  front  of  my  left  and  cautioned  me  not  to  fire  to  the  front.  By  this 
time  I  discovered  that  the  enemy  was  posted  on  the  high  ridge  immediately  in  front  and 
to  the  right.  I  moved  back  to  the  troop,  moved  them  to  the  right  so  as  to  uncover  the 
First  Cavalry  as  much  as  possible,  and  then  moved  directly  for  the  hill,  seeking  cover 
wherever  possible,  and  advancing  on  the  run  across  open  spaces.  On  account  of  not  knowing 
the  position  of  First  Cavalry  my  men  were  cautioned  not  to  fire  unless  by  order  of  an 
officer.  After  arriving  at  the  steep  part  of  the  ridge  the  ascent  was  very  difficult.  The 
underbrush  was  impenetrable  in  most  places,  the  side  of  the  ridge  being  covered,  in  addition, 
by  thick  prickly  weed,  through  which  paths  had  always  to  be  cut  with  knives  and  sabers. 

In  only  two  cases  did  I  see  any  of  the  enemy,  when  I  allowed  part  of  my  men  to  halt 
and  fire ;  but  with  these  two  exceptions  we  advanced  steadily,  as  the  cover  was  perfect. 
The  advance,  however,  was  very  slow  owing  to  the  difficulty  of  getting  through.  Just 
before  we  struck  the  first  fortification  of  the  Spaniards  the  left  of  my  line  caught  up  with 
the  right  of  Captain  Wainwriglit's  troop  of  the  First,  under  command  of  Lieutenant  Whit- 
man, who  reached  the  top  of  the  hill '  immediately  before  my  troop.  I  passed  along  the 
top  of  the  ridge  until  I  reached  the  descent  on  the  other  end.  The  detachment  of  Firsi 
Cavalry  passed  down  and  joined  the  troop,  and  I  posted  outposts  on  the  ridge  in  order  to 
protect  the  right  of  our  line  in  the  valley  below. 

Shortly  after  Colonel  Wood  of  the  First  Volunteer  Cavalry  came  to  my  position  and 
ordered  me  to  establish  outposts.  When  he  learned  I  had  already  done  so  he  told  me 
to  remain  until  relieved.  I  was  relieved  shortly  after,  but  remained  in  position  until  3  :30 
p.  m.,  when  I  marched  back  to  camp. 

Three  men  (privates)  were  wounded  in  troop,  all  while  in  position  near  wooden  fence 
at  commencement  of  advance. 

Wounded — Kelley  Mayberry,  Amos  B.  Reed,  sent  to  hospital  ship ;  Wesley  Jones,  shot 
in  hand,  but  remained  during  the  fight ;  slight  wound. 

The  entire  troop  behaved  with  great  coolness  and  obeyed  every  order.     Owing  to  the 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  107 

underbrush  it  was  impossible  for  me  to  see  but  very  few  men  at  a  time,  but  as  they  all 
arrived  on  the  crest  about  the  time  I  did,  or  shortly  after,  they  certainly  advanced  steadily. 
I  would  especially  like  to  mention  the  conduct  of  three  men  who  were  under  my 
personal  observation :  Farrier  Sherman  Harris,  for  unusual  coolness  and  gallantry.  He 
kept  in  advance  and  picked  out  the  best  cover  for  the  men  in  his  immediate  rear.  Wagoner 
John  Boland,  for  coolness  in  action.  I  think  he  killed  the  Spaniard  found  on  the  crest,  as 
we  could  see  one  man  standing  behind  tree  about  four  hundred  yards  from  us,  and  Boland 
coolly  iixed  his  sight  and  took  careful  aim  and  fired,  although  the  bullets  were  falling  very 
thickly  around  us,  as  the  enemy  had  apparently  discovered  our  position.  Immediately  after 
he  fired  the  Spaniard  either  jumped  or  fell,  but  he  looked  as  though  he  fell.  Boland 
remained  there  until  the  firing  ceased.  Private  Elsie  Jones,  for  unusual  coolness  and  gallan- 
try. He  has  been  only  two  months  in  the  service,  but  behaved  like  a  veteran.  I  would  also 
like  to  mention  the  conduct  of  Second  Lieutenant  A.  M.  Miller,  of  my  troop.  He  displayed 
great  coolness  and  gallantry  and  used  the  best  judgment  in  directing  the  movements  of 
the  men  under  his  command. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

R.  J.  FLEMING, 
First  Lieutenant,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Commanding  Troop. 


TROOP   B,   TENTH    CAVALRY 

Six  Miles  from  Santiago,  Cuba,  June  27,  1898. 
Adjutant,  Tenth  Cavalry. 

Sir :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  part  taken  in  the  engagement 
on  the  24th  instant  by  the  Tenth  Cavalry  detachment  temporarily  in  charge  of  four  Hotch- 
kiss  mountain  guns : 

I  put  the  guns  in  position  under  the  personal  direction  of  the  brigade  commander. 
The  distance  was  estimated  at  1000  yards.  This  being  found  a  little  high,  the  sights  were 
lowered  to  900  yards  and  kept  at  that  range  during  the  engagement.  Great  difficulty  was 
experienced  in  observing  the  effect  of  the  shots,  owing  to  the  smoke,  which  hung  in  front  of 
them,  and  the  brush  on  each  side,  but  two  of  the  first  900  yards  were  seen  to  go  to  the 
right  spot,  and  it  was  presumed  the  others  were  going  right.  The  shells  were  used 
sparingly,  as  I  could  bring  only  one  box  (fifty  rounds)  of  ammunition.  Twenty-two  shots 
were  fired.  The  fire  was  directed  mainly  at  a  rock  fortifications  held  by  the  Spaniards, 
but  sometimes  at  a  thick  clump  of  bushes  on  a  high  point  near  the  fortification.  In  looking 
over  this  part  of  the  field  after  the  fight  I  found  where  three  shells  had  struck ;  one  had 
struck  the  center  of  the  rock  fort,  another  had  cut  off  a  small  tree  18  inches  above  the 
top  of  the  fort,  a  third  had  exploded  20  feet  in  front  of  a  line  of  ten  or  twelve  Spaniards 
(as  shown  by  the  line  of  empty  cartridge  shells  which  they  used).  Nearly  all  the  others 
undoubtedly  struck  in  the  near  vicinity  of  these  three,  and"  it  is  hoped  contributed  to  the 
success  of  the  day. 

Casualties — Corporal  Love,  Troop  B,  left  arm  grazed  by  bullet ;  Private  Gaines,  same 
troop,  shot  in  finger,  left  hand. 

Corporal  W.  F.  Johnson,  Troop  B,  deserves  special  mention  for  his  efficiency  and 
perfect  coolness  under  fire.  He  was  non-commissioned  officer  in  charge,  and  the  Hotchkiss 
battery  was,  apparently,  on  account  of  the  smoke  from  it,  a  special  target  for  the  enemy's 
fire. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

J.  W.  WATSON, 
Captain  Tenth  Cavalry,  Temporarily  Commanding  Battery. 


108  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 


APPP:NDIX  "C" 

The  following  report  was  submitted  through  channels,  recommending  Seigeant  Graham 
for  gallantry : 

Fort  Leavenworth,  Kansas,  5th  of  January,  1899. 
Captain  Charles  Ayres,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Huntsville,  Alabama. 

Sir :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  to  you  the  following  remarks  concerning  the  service 
of  Sergeant  John  Graham,  of  your  troop,  who  was  detailed  by  you  for  temporary  duty 
with  gatling  guns  under  my  command  at  the  battle  of  the  1st  of  July,  1898,  with  a  view 
that  the  same  may  be  forwarded  with  the  soldier's  record,  and  such  recommendations  as 
you  may  care  to  make,  by  way  of  his  regimental  headquarters  for  consideration  by  the 
board  of  officers  appointed  at  Washington  to  consider  meritorious  services  during  the 
Spanish-American  war. 

Sergeant  Graham  particularly  distinguished  himself  by  coolness  and  courage  about 
sundown  on  July  1st,  at  a  time  when  the  gatling  battery,  with  which  he  \va?  serving,  had 
become  a  target  for  the  Spanish  artillery  fire.  He  rendered  particularly  valuable  service 
in  keeping  the  ammunition  supply  up  at  this  time,  and  at  one  time,  when  a  shell  was 
about  to  explode  in  the  battery,  endeavored  to  shield  his  commanding  officer,  myself,  with 
his  own  body.  His  services  at  this  time,  in  keeping  the  ammunition  going,  were  particularly 
dangerous  as  it  had  to  be  carried  some  distance  exposed  to  the  view  and  fire  of  the  enemy, 
but  he  so  well  performed  this  work  that  the  gatlings  were  enabled  to  drive  the  enemy's 
gunne.s  away  from  their  guns  by  directing  a  steady  and  continuous  fire  upon  their  pieces. 

For  these  distinguished  services  it  is  my  opinion  that  Sergeant  Graham  should  receive 
the  Medal  of  Honor,  and  I  respectfully  ask  that  you  concur  in  such  recommendation,  and 
cause  this  to  be  forwarded  with  suitable  remarks  for  the  action  of  the  proper  board  of 
officers. 


Very  respectfully, 
(Signe< 

Late  commanding  Gatling  Gun  Detachment,  Fifth  Army  Corps. 


(Signed)  JOHN  H.  PARKER, 

First  Lieutenant,  Thirteenth  Infantry. 


First  endorsement  on  L.  R.  No.  45,  dated  January  10,  1898,  relative  to  recommendation 
of  Sergeant  John  Graham,  Troop  E,  Tenth  Cavalry,  for  Medal  of  Honor,  by  Lieutenant 
John  Parker,  First  Lieutenant,  Thirteenth  Infantry. 

CAMP   OF    TENTH    CAVALRY 

Huntsville,  Ala.,  January  10,  1899. 

Respectfully  forwarded  to  the  Adjutant  General,  U.  S.  Army,  through  regimental  head- 
quarters. 

I  saw  this  sergeant  while  on  duty  with  this  gatling  gun  battery  July  1st  at  sundown, 
and  I  know  that  there  was  no  more  daring  man  in  Cuba,  and  for  endeavoring  to  shield 
his  commanding  officer,  Lieutenant  Parker,  by  trying  to  cover  him  with  his  own  body  to 
prevent  an  exploding  shell  from  striking  him,  he  is  under  the  law  entitled  to  the  Medal 
of  Honor. 

(Signed)  CHARLES  G.  AYRES, 

Captain  Tenth  Cavalry,  Commanding  Troop  E. 

A  true  copy  :    S.  D.  Rockerbach,  First  Lieutenant,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Adjutant. 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  109 

APPENDIX  "D" 
Report  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  T.  A.  Baldwin  on  the  Battle  of  Santiago : 

HEADQUARTERS  TENTH    U.    S.   CAVALRY 

Before  Santiago  de  Cuba,  July  8,  1898. 
The  Adjutant  General,  Second  Brigade,  Cavalry  Division. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  part  taken  by  the  Tenth 
U.  S.  Cavalry  in  the  battle  of  July  1st,  2nd  and  3rd,  1898,  before  Santiago  de  Cuba: 

On  the  morning  of  July  1st  the  regiment,  consisting  of  Troops  A,  B,  C,  D,  E,  F,  G 
and  I,  and  Field  and  Staff,  occupied  a  position  on  the  left  of  the  Second  Brigade,  Cavalry 
Division,  this  line  extending  nearly  north  and  south  on  a  ridge  some  three  or  four  miles 
from  Santiago.  At  about  6:30  a.  m.,  a  battery  of  artillery  posted  a  short  distance  from  my 
right  opened  fire  upon  the  works  of  Santiago,  the  regiment  being  exposed  to  much  of  the 
return  fire  of  the  enemy's  batteries.  After  the  artillery  firing  had  ceased  the  regiment 
moved  to  the  right,  passed  the  sugar  mill,  and  proceeded  in  rear  of  the  brigade  down  the 
road  leading  towards  Santiago.  The  movement  was  delayed  as  we  approached  the  San 
Juan  River  and  the  regiment  came  within  the  range  of  fire  about  one-half  mile  from  the 
crossing.  Upon  reaching  the  river  I  found  that  the  Seventy-first  New  York  Volunteers  were 
at  the  crossing  and  that  the  regiment  preceding  mine  had  a  converging  artillery  and  infantry 
lire  from  the  three  block  houses  and  entrenchments  in  front,  and  the  works  further  to  the 
left  and  nearer  to  Santiago.  This  fire  was  probably  drawn  by  a  balloon  which  preceded  the 
regiment  to  a  p*oint  near  the  ford,  where  it  was  held.  I  was  directed  to  take  a  position  to 
the  right  behind  the  river  bank  for  protection.  While  moving  to  this  position,  and  while 
there,  the  regiment  suffered  considerable  loss.  After  an  interval  of  twenty  or  thirty  minutes, 
I  was  directed  to  form  line  of  battle  in  a  partially  open  field,  facing  toward  the  block  houses 
and  strong  entrenchments  to  the  north  occupied  by  the  enemy.  Much  difficulty  was  found 
on  account  of  the  dense  undergrowth,  crossed  in  several  directions  by  wire  fences.  As  a 
part  of  the  cavalry  division  under  General  Sumner.  the  regiment  was  formed  in  two  lines, 
the  first  squadron  under  Major  S.  T.  Norvell,  consisting  of  Troops  A,  B,  E  and  I  leading; 
the  second  line  under  Major  T.  J.  Wint.  consisting  of  Troops  C,  F,  G.  Troop  D,  having 
crossed  further  down  the  river,  attached  itself  to  a  command  of  infantry  and  moved  with 
that  command  on  the  two  block  houses.  The  regiment  advanced  in  this  formation  under  a 
heavy  converging  fire  from  the  enemy's  position,  proceeding  but  a  short  distance  when  the 
two  lines  were  united  into  one.  The  advance  was  rapidly  continued  in  an  irregular  line 
toward  the  block  houses  and  entrenchments  to  the  right  front.  During  this  advance  the  line 
passed  some  troops  of  the  First  Cavalry,  which  T  think  had  previously  been  formed  on 
our  right. 

Several  losses  occurred  before  reaching  the  top  of  the  hill,  First  Lieutenant  Wm.  H. 
Smith  being  killed  as  he  arrived  on  its  crest. 

The  enemy  having  retreated  toward  the  northwest,  the  second  and  third  block  houses, 
new  lines  were  formed  and  a  rapid  advance  was  made  upon  these  new  positions.  The 
regiment  assisted  in  capturing  these  Works  from  the  enemy  and,  with  the  exception  of 
Troops  C  and  D  who  in  the  meantime  had  joined  the  First  Volunteer  Cavalry,  then  took 
up  a  position  to  the  north  of  the  second  block  house,  remaining  there  dimng  the  night. 
With  some  chanees  in  the  position  of  troops  they  held  this  line  on  the  2nd  and  3rd  under 
a  very  heavy  and  continuous  fire  from  the  enemy's  entrenchments  in  front,  and  the  regiment 
now  occupies  a  part  of  the  most  advanced  entrenched  position.  Some  troops  lost  their 
relative  positions  in  line  during  the  first  dav  of  the  battle,  but  attached  themselves  to 
others  and  continued  to  move  forward.  During  the  entire  engagement  the  regiment  acted 
with  extraordinary  coolness  and  bravery  It  held  its  position  at  the  ford  and  moved  for- 
ward unflinchingly  after  deployment  through  the  dense  brush  under  the  heavy  fire  from 
the  enemy's  works. 

The  officers  and  men  in  general  throughout  exhibited  great  bravery,  obeying  orders 
with  unflinching  alacrity  while  attacking  with  small  arms  an  enemy  strongly  posted  in 
entrenchments  and  block  houses  and  supported  by  artillery.  Words  cannot  express  my 
gratification  at  such  conduct,  and  T  would  request  that  such  service  receive  some  special 
recognition.  It  is  difficult  to  distinguish  between  officers  and  men,  all  of  whom  are  so 
deserving,  but  of  the  officers  whcse  conduct  on  the  field  came  under  mv  clitect  personal 
observation,  I  would  especially  mention  Major  S.  T.  Norvell  and  Major  T.  J.  Wint,  squadron 


110  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

commanders;   First    Lieutenant   John  J.    Pershing,  quartermaster;    First   Lieutenant   M.    H. 
Barnum,  adjutant,  for  their  untiring  energy,  faithfulness  and  gallantry  during  this  engage 
merit,  and  would  recommend  the  officers  named  for  brevet  commissions. 

I  desire  to  recommend  the  following  medical  officers,  attached  to  the  Tenth  U.  S. 
Cavalry :  Captain,  Assistant  Surgeon  M.  M.  Brown ;  First  Lieutenant,  Assistant  Surgeon 
L.  A.  Fuller,  for  their  untiring  zeal  and  fearless  energy  in  their  attendance  under  fire 
of  wounded  officers  and  men  of  my  own  and  other  commands  during  the  entire  day  of 
July.  1st  and  succeeding  clays  of  the  engagement. 

I  would  invite  attention  to  the  following  list  of  men  especially  recommended  in  the 
enclosed  reports  forwarded  herewith : 

Troop  A — Corporal  Jno.  Anderson  and  Private  R.  A.  Parker. 

Troop  C — First  Sergeant  Adam  Houston. 

Troop  E — First  Sergeant  Peter  McCann ;  Sergeants  Benj.  Fasit,  Ozran  Gaither  and 
Wm.  Payne,  and  Corporal  Thos.  E.  Herbert. 

Troop  I — Private  Elsie  Jones,  previously  recommended. 
Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

(Signed)  T.  A.  BALDWIN, 
Lieutenant  Colonel,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Commanding  Regiment. 


HEADQUARTERS    TENTH    CAVALRY 

Near  Santiago  de  Cuba,  July  8th,  1898. 
To  the  Adjutant  General,  Second  Brigade,  Cavalry  Division. 

Sir :  I  have  the  honor  to  state  that  owing  to  my  desire  to  submit  my  report  of  the 
actions  taken  part  in  by  my  regiment  on  July  1st,  2nd  and  3rd  at  San  Juan,  Cuba,  at  as 
early  date  as  possible  under  the  instructions  received,  I  was  unable  to  make  a  complete 
report  on  the  6th  inst.,  and  therefore  submit  this  supplementary  report  of  the  actions 
referred  to. 

After  a  thorough  investigation  of  the  conduct  of  the  officers  of  my  regiment  in  the 
battle  of  the  1st  inst.,  and  the  actions  of  the  2nd  and  part  of  the  3rd,  I  make  recommenda- 
tions that  the  following  named  officers  be  brevetted  to  the  highest  rank  which  the  War 
Department  may  deem  proper  to  bestow  in  each  case  or  honorably  mentioned. 

Captain  Wm.  H.  Beck,  Tenth  Cavalry,  for  conspicuous  gallantry,  good  judgment,  and 
endurance.  T  urgently  and  respectfully  recommend  him  for  a  brevet. 

Captain  T.  W.  Jones.  Tenth  Cavalry.  For  conspicuous  gallantry,  good  judgment,  and 
endurance.  T  urgently  and  respectfully  recommend  him  for  a  brevet. 

Captain  Chas.  G.  Ayres,  Tenth  Cavalry.  For  conspicuous  gallantry,  good  judgment,  and 
endurance.  T  urgently  and  respectfully  recommend  him  for  a  brevet. 

Captain  J.  W.  Watson.  Tenth  Cavalry.  For  conspicuous  gallantry,  good  judgment,  and 
endurance.  I  urgently  and  respectfully  recommend  him  for  honorable  mention. 

Captain  John  Bigelow.  I  earnestly  and  respectfully  recommend  him  for  honorable 
mention. 

First  Lieutenant  J.  B.  Huges.    For  conspicuous  gallantry  and  endurance. 

F'irst  Lieutenant  R.  L.  Livermore.     For  conspicuous  gallantry  and  endurance. 

First  Lieutenant  E.  D.  Anderson.     For  conspicuous  gallantry  and  endurance. 

First  Lieutenant  R.  T.  Fleming.     For  conspicuous  gallantry  and  endurance. 

Second  Lieutenant  Geo.  Vidmer.     For  conspicuous  gallantry  and  endurance. 

Second  Lieutenant  A.  M.  Miller.     For  conspicuous  gallantry  and  endurance. 

Second  Lieutenant  H.  O.  Williard.     For  conspicuous  gallantry  and  endurance. 

Second  Lieutenant  H.  C.  Whitehead.     For  conspicuous  gallantry  and  endurance. 

Second  Lieutenant  F.  R.  McCoy.     For  conspicuous  gallantry  and  endurance. 

Second  Lieutenant  T.  A.  Roberts.     For  conspicuous  gallantry  and  endurance. 

Second  Lieutenant  A.  E.  Kennington.    For  conspicuous  gallantry  and  endurance. 

I  make  these  recommendations  as  in  each  individual  case  the  gallantry  displayed  in 
leading  men  to  the  assault  of  .entrenched  works  who  were  armed  with  the  carbine  and 
which  works  were  defended  by  men  armed  with  the  Mauser  rifle,  who  used  them  well, 
prevents  any  possible  question  as  to  the  term  applied. 

I  feel  that  if  there  is  anv  further  recognition  which  can  be  bestowed  upon  the  officers 
named  it  should  be  done,  and  I  have  recommended  them  for  a  brevet  only  because  I  do 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  111 

not  know  what  additional  honor  can  he  given  them  at  this  time  by  the  Government  for 
their  splendid  conduct  by  which  they  have  shown  not  only  "nigh  courage  but  their  ability 
to  command  men  upon  the  Held  of  battle. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

(Signed)  T.  A.  BALDWIN, 
Lieutenant  Colonel,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Commanding  Regiment. 


Report  by  Major  Norvell,  including  ids  troop  commanders,  on  the  Battle  of  Santiago, 
July  1,  2,  3,  1898. 

Before  Santiago  de  Cuba,  July  5,  1898. 
Adjutant,  Tenth  United  States  Cavalry. 

Sir :  The  following  is  a  report  of  the  part  taken  by  the  First  Squadron,  Tenth  Cavalry, 
consisting  of  Troops  A,  B,  E  and  I,  in  action  with  the  Spaniards  on  the  1st,  2nd  and  3rd 
instant : 

On  the  evening  of  June  30th  the  regiment,  as  a  part  of  the  Second  Brigade,  Cavalry 
Division,  took  position  on  the  extreme  left  of  the  line,  about  five  miles  from  Santiago. 

On  the  morning  of  the  1st,  after  an  artillery  duel  of  short  duration  between  Grimes's 
battery  and  the  artillery  of  the  enemy,  the  regiment  moved  forward  toward  the  town  to 
the  crossing  of  the  San  Juan  River,  when  it  immediately  became  engaged.  The  regiment 
took  position  in  a  wood,  and  here  suffered  considerable  loss,  due  to  the  fact  that  the  whole 
of  the  enemy's  fire  appeared  to  be  directed  to  this  point.  In  a  short  time  we  moved  out  of 
the  wood  by  the  right  flank  and  then  deployed  to  the  left,  being  then  directly  in  fr  nit  of 
the  enemy  and  about  one  mile  distant  from  his  works,  marked  h}r  three  houses  about  half 
a  mile  from  one  another.  The  enemy  were  strongly  entrenched  in  front  of  these  houses. 
The  line,  consisting  of  the  cavalry  division,  under  direction  of  Brigadier  General  Sumner, 
moved  i'oi  ward  in  double  time,  under  a  terrific  nre  of  the  enemy.  We  had  a  very  heavy 
jungle  to  march  through,  besides  the  river  (San  Juan)  to  cross,  and  during  our  progress 
many  men  were  killed  and  wounded.  The  troops  became  separated  from  one  another, 
though  the  general  line  was  pretty  v/ell  preserved.  The  works  of  the  enemy  were  carried 
in  succession  by  the  troops  and  the  Spaniards  were  steadily  driven  back  toward  the  town 
to  their  last  ditches.  We  now  found  ourselves  about  half  a  mile  from  the  city,  but  the 
troops  being  by  this  time  nearly  exhausted,  here  entrenched  themselves  for  the  night  under 
fire.  By  dark  this  line  was  occupied  by  all  the  troops  engaged  during  the  day. 

Julv  2  we  changed  our  position  to  about  600  yards  to  the  right,  and  were  under  a 
heavy  fire  during  the  whole  day  until  dark,  when  we  were  again  changed  to  about  half  a 
mile  to  the  right  and  a  little  nearer  to  the  works  of  the  enemy. 

July  2  and  until  noon  we  were  engaged  with  the  enemy.  At  noon  firing  was  suspended 
on  both  sides  by  reason  of  a  flag  of  truce  being  sent  forward,  presumably  to  give  notice  of 
the  bombardment  of  the  city. 

The  conduct  of  the  officers  and  enlisted  men  of  my  squadron  was  simply  superb. 

The  following  is  a  list  of  the  killed  and  wounded:  Killed — Troop  A,  Private  John  H. 
Smart:  Troop  P.  Corporal  William  P.  Johnson.  Wounded — Troop  A,  First  Lieutenant 
R.  L.  Livermore,  Second  Lieutenant  F.  R.  McCoy,  Sergeant  Smith  Johnson,  Corporal  Toseph 
C.  Mitchell.  Trumpeter  Nathan  Wyatt,  Privates  William  A.  Cooper,  Benjamin  Franklin, 
Wiley  Hipsher,  Richard  James.  Daniel  Flue.  All  Tuly  1.  July  2,  Private  Luther  D.  Gould. 
July  3,  William  H.  Brown.  Troon  B.  July  1,  Privates  John  Prim  and  William  Gregory; 
July  2.  Second  Lieutenant  Harry  O.  Williard.  Missing— Saddler  John  H.  Ubanks.  George 
Berry  and  William  Jackson.  Tfooo  E,  Julv  1.  Sergeant  William  Payne,  Blacksmith  Lewis 
L.  Anderson;  Privates  Henry  McCormick,  Gilmore  Givens,  Hillv  Brown.  Troop  I.  July  1, 
First  Sergeant  Robert  Millbrown,  Sergeant  W.  G.  Gunter,  Privates  Frank  D.  Bennett. 
Thornton  Berkley,  Thomas  H.  Hardy,  Wesley  Jones,  Houston  Riddle.  Missing— Private 
John  F.  Chinn. 

Respectfully  submitted, 

S.  T.  NORVELL. 
Major,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Commanding  First  Squadron. 


112  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

TROOP  A,  TENTH   CAVALRY 

Near  Santiago,  July  5,  1898. 
The  Adjutant,  Tenth  Cavalry. 

Sir  :  I  have  the  honor  to  report,  in  accordance  with  instructions  from  your  office  of  this 
date,  the  following  relative  to  the  part  taken  by  Troop  A,  Tenth  Cavalry,  in  the  actions 
against  the  Spaniards  of  July  1,  2  and  3,  1898: 

On  the  morning  of  July  1  the  troop  formed  part  of  the  support  to  a  battery  of  artillery 
on  the  extreme  front  of  the  line  of  troops.  After  the  battery  removed  from  the  action  the 
troop  was  ordered  out  on  the  road  leading  toward  Santiago  and  in  the  direction  of  the 
entrenchments  and  block  houses  occupied  by  the  Spaniards.  The  troop  was  on  the  right 
of  the  First  Squadron,  Tenth  Cavalry.  After  proceeding  for  probably  a  mile  and  a  half, 
the  latter  part  of  which  march  was  under  heavy  fire  from  the  enemy,  the  troop  was  directed 
to  take  its  place  in  line  on  the  left  of  the  First  United  States  Cavalry.  In  accomplishing 
this  the  troop  passed  under  a  heavy  fire  of  shell  and  of  musketry.  Shortly  after  this  for- 
mation the  troop,  in  connection  with  the  others  on  its  right  and  left,  was  ordered  to 
change  its  front  and  move  in  line  against  the  Spanish  block  houses.  The  fire  from  the 
enemy  at  this  time  was  very  heavy.  I  had  lost  two  men  wounded  in  forming  line  upon 
the  creek  bank,  and  in  this  movement  forward  the  troop  was  much  impeded  by  heavv 
thickets  and  dense  chaparral.  The  rush  forward  was  continued  within  intermission.  A 
portion  of  the  right  platoon,  under  Lieutenant  Livermore,  became  separated  in  one  of  the 
thickets,  and  under  instructions  received  personally  from  the  brigadier  general  commanding, 
continued  up  the  slope  toward  his  right  and  toward  the  first  block  house.  The  balance  of 
the  troop,  with  Lieutenant  McCoy  and  myself,  also  moved  in  that  direction,  but,  observing 
that  a  large  number  of  troops  had  succeeded  in  reaching  the  slope  on  account  of  their 
shorter  line,  I  continued  my  march  at  a  rapid  gait  to  a  point  nearer  the  second  block  house, 
swinging  the  troop  in  a  diagonal  direction  and  advancing,  firing,  and  receiving  fire,  until  I 
reached  the  summit  of  the  hills  between  the  second  and  third  block  houses.  Upon  this 
crest  I  was  directed  by  an  aide  of  the  brigadier  general  commanding  to  hold  the  ridge. 
At  this  juncture  Lieutenant  Livermore  arrived,  having  come  by  way  of  block  house  No.  1. 
During  his  march  he  had  been  subjected  to  a  heavy  fire,  losing  several  men  wounded. 

The  troop  held  the  crest  referred  to  for  about  an  hour,  at  times  being  subjected  to  an 
extremely  heavy  fire  from  about  150  Spaniards,  who  were  in  line  in  front  of  their  barracks, 
and  others  in  the  timber  who  had  retreated  from  the  block  houses  and  were  continuing 
the  fight.  The  fire  at  one  time  became  so  heavy  and  the  line  of  Spaniards  appeared  so 
regular  that  I  was  apprehensive  that  my  force  might  be  too  small  to  hold  the  ridge. 
Lieutenant  H.  G.  Lyon,  Twenty-fourth  Infantry,  appeared  at  this  juncture  and  offered  to 
submit  himself  to  my  orders.  I  had  just  previously  discovered  Lieutenant  J.  B.  Hughes' 
Hotchkiss  Mountain  Battery  approaching  the  position.  I  requested  him  to  place  one  of 
his  guns  in  action,  which  he  promptly  did.  Lieutenant  Lyons  forming  on  the  left  of  the 
gun  and  opening  fire,  A  Troop  being  on  the  right  of  the  gun.  I  held  the  position  until 
the  arrival  of  a  light  battery  and  other  troops,  among  them  the  Seventy-first  New  York, 
when  I  placed  my  men  parallel  to  the  position  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  road,  and  in 
contact  with  the  squadron  of  the  Tenth  Cavalry,  to  which  I  belonged,  which  had  in  the 
meantime  arrived  at  that  point.  During  this  time  Lieutenant  F.  R.  McCoy  was  severely 
wounded  while  actively  directing  the  fire  of  this  platoon.  I  had  lost,  up  to  this  time,  one 
enlisted  man  killed,  and  several  wounded.  While  in  the  position  above  referred  to,  and  in 
contact  with  the  squadron,  the  troop  lying  below  the  ridge.  Major  Wint  directed  that  the 
crest  be  occupied,  as  the  enemy  had  increased  his  fire  on  our  lines.  Troop  A  immediately 
moved  forward  and  opened  fire,  having  one  man  wounded  at  this  point,  and  one  man  killed 
in  the  line,  a  straggler  from  the  infantry.  The  fire  ceased  about  dark  and  the  troop  lay 
under  arms  in  its  place  under  the  bill.  A  detail  from  the  troop  assisted  in  building  earth- 
works during  the  night. 

On  the  morning  of  July  2  the  troop  moved  with  the  squadron  up  into  the  rifle  pits, 
a  short  distance  to  the  right  of  the  previous  position,  where  details  from  the  troop  engaged 
the  enemy  during  the  entire  day,  one  man  of  the  troop  beiner  wounded  while  in  the  rifle 
pits.  On  the  evening  of  the  2nd  the  troops  moved  to  a  point  still  farther  to  the  right,  assist- 
ing in  digging  rifle  pits  within  500  yards  of  the  advanced  works  of  the  enemy.  During 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  113 

the  3rd  the  firing  between   the   lines   of   rifle   pits   was   continuous   until   about   noon.     The 
troop  is  now  occupying  this  position. 

During  the  series  of  close  fights  on  the  1st,  and  in  the  engagements  in  the  rifle  pits 
up  to  the  3rd  at  noon,  the  troop  lost  one  officer  wounded,  one  enlisted  man  killed,  and 
eleven  enlisted  men  wounded. 

I  respectfully  invite  attention  of  the  regimental  commander  to  the  fact  that,  in  my 
judgment,  the  conduct  of  the  officers  of  Troop  A,  First  Lieutenant  R.  L.  Livermore  and 
Second  Lieutenant  F.  R.  McCoy,  could  not  be  surpassed  for  coolness  and  the  skillful  per- 
formance of  duty  under  heavy  fire,  and  I  recommend  that  proper  recognition  of  their 
gallant  service  be  bestowed  by  proper  authority.  The  behavior  of  the  enlisted  men  was 
magnificent,  paying  studious  attention  to  orders  while  on  the  firing  line,  and  generally 
exhibiting  an  intrepidity  which  marks  the  first-class  soldier. 

Very  respectfully,  your  obedient  servant, 

WM.  H.  BECK, 
Captain,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Commanding  Troop  A. 

TROOP  B,  TENTH   CAVALRY 

One  mile  from  Santiago  de  Cuba,  July  5,  1898. 
The  Adjutant,  Tenth  Cavalry. 

Sir:  1  have  the  honor  to  report  the  part  taken  by  B  Troop  in  actions  of  the  1st,  2nd 
and  3rd  instant : 

B  Troop  was  on  right  and  advanced  as  skirmishers,  guide  center.  Being  informed 
by  General  Suniner  that  the  objective  was  the  house  ahead,  I  advanced  by  two  rushes  and 
then  double  time.  The  country  advanced  over  was  covered  with  thick  brush,  and  on 
emerging  in  the  open  near  the  house  I  could  find  only  seven  men  of  the  troop.  With  these 
I  advanced  to  the  house,  arriving  in  rear  of  and  along  with  Colonel  Victor's  line,  which  I 
found  deployed  in  front  of  mine  on  beginning  the  advance.  Without  stopping,  I  followed 
with  the  seven  men  of  my  troop  the  retreating  enemy  to  the  most  advanced  position 
occupied  at  this  present  time.  After  helping  to  hold  this  position  an  hour  or  so,  I  went 
back,  as  soon  as  it  was  reinforced,  to  find  my  troop.  On  2nd  and  3rd  my  troop,  with 
others,  held  the  position  gained.  Casualties  :  One  officer  wounded,  one  corporal  killed,  two 
privates  wounded. 

Very  respectfully, 

J.  W.  WATSON, 
Captain,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Commanding  Troop. 


July  5,  1898. 

Report  of  operations  of  Troop  I,  Tenth  Cavalry,  on  July  1,  2  and  3,  1898: 
Adjutant  General,  Second  Brigade,  Cavalry  Division. 

About  3 :30  p.  m.,  June  30,  1898,  troop  received  orders  to  move.  About  4 :00  p.  m. 
troop  started  with  regiment,  but  owing  to  delay  did  not  get  into  position  until  after  dark. 
Troop  bivouacked  alongside  of  road  with  regiment.  Remained  there  during  bombardment  of 
next  morning.  Returned  with  regiment ;  left  packs  alongside'  of  road  under  charge  of 
guard,  and  lay  down  under  such  cover  as  possible.  Two  men  in  troop  were  wounded  here 
while  troop  was  marching  along  road.  Troop  remained  here  about  five  minutes,  when  I 
received  orders  to  move  to  right  of  road.  We  moved  to  the  right,  crossed  creek,  and 
moved  alongside  of  creek  to  fairly  good  cover.  Remained  here  for  about  half  an  hour, 
exposed  to  a  pretty  heavy  artillery  fire.  Then  received  orders  to  move  forward  and  form 
skirmish  line  on  edge  of  creek,  perpendicular  to  last  position.  Troop  moved  forward  from 
this  position  by  successive  movements  until  the  second  creek  was  reached,  when  troop 
moved  to  right  and  crossed  creek.  The  left  of  troop,  under  command  of  Lieutenant  A.  M. 
Miller,  moved  directly  up  the  hill  and  participated  in  attack  on  block  house  on  right  of 
enemy's  position.  This  part,  under  Lieutenant  Miller,  afterwards  crossed  the  valley  between 
the  block  houses  and  was  in  the  attack  on  the  block  house  on  left  of  enemy's  position.  Tt 
then  moved  forward  with  the  First  Regular  Cavalry  and  First  Volunteer  Cavalry  until  it 
reached  the  position  now  held  by  First  Volunteer  Cavalry,  the  latter  being  on  left  and 
regular  cavalry  on  right.  The  right  of  troop,  under  my  command,  passed  creek,  bore  to 
right,  crossed  fence  into  road,  and  moved  down  road  about  thirty  yards,  crossed  through 


114  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

fence ;  from  this  position  advanced  through  swampy  ground  to  right  of  pond  directly  on 
trench  between  two  block  houses.  In  this  charge  the  troop  had  caught  up  with  preceding 
troops  and  was  well  up  to  the  front.  Troop  occupied  ground  in  front  of  this  trench  and 
fired  volleys  at  enemy's  next  line  of  entrenchments,  while  the  nemy  was  maiming  them. 
Troop  then  advanced  through  wire  fence,  and  advanced  to  extreme  edge  of  hill,  now 
occupied  by  entrenchments  of  First  Volunteer  Cavalry.  There  was  First  Volunteer  Cavalry 
and  Tenth  Cavalry  in  this  position — in  all,  about  one  hundred  men.  Lieutenant  Anderson, 
of  the  Tenth  Cavalry,  here  joined  me.  Remained  here  about  an  hour,  when  was  informed 
line  was  being  formed  in  the  rear.  Went  back  and  formed  on  left  of  First  Volunteer  Cavalry. 
Troop  assisted  in  digging  trenches  that  night. 

July  2.  Part  of  troop  in  trenches;  remainder  about  twenty  yards  in  rear  until  about 
2  p.  m.,  when  it  was  ordered  down  to  base  of  hill.  Men  in  trenches  relieved  at  6  p.  m. 
At  night  attack  troop  formed  line,  under  orders,  near  crest  of  hill,  near  position  in  camp. 

July  3.  Remained  in  camp  until  3  p.  m.,  when  troop  was  ordered  to  right  and  joined 
rest  of  regiment. 

Losses :  Wounded — First  Sergeant  Robert  Millbrown,  Sergeant  Gunter,  Private  Ben- 
nett, Private  Burkley,  Private  Hardy,  Private  Wesley  Jones,  Private  Riddell.  Missing — 
Private  J.  F.  Chinn,  Jr. 

The  entire  troop  behaved  with  great  gallantry.  I  have  no  special  recommendation  to 
make.  One  recruit,  Private  Elsie  Jones,  particularly  distinguished  himself.  I  have  recom- 
mended him  before,  in  fight  of  June  2. 

Lieutenant  Miller  conducted  himself  with  great  coolness  and  used  good  judgment  in 
giving  orders. 

Very  respectfully, 

R.  J.  FLEMING, 
First  Lieutenant,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Commanding  Troop  I. 

Reports  of  Major  Wint  and  his  troop  commanders  on  the  Battle  of  Santiago,  July 
1,  2,  3,  1898. 

Philadelphia,  Nov.  28th,  1898. 
The  Adjutant,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Huntsville,  Ala. 

In  compliance  with  your  request  of  the  22nd  inst.,  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the 
following  report  of  the  action  of  Second  Squadron,  Tenth  Cavalry — Troops  C,  D,  F  and  G — 
on  July  1st,  1898,  at  San  Juan  Hill: 

The  Second  Squadron,  following  the  First,  marched  to  near  crossing  of  the  creek  at 
foot  of  hills,  where,  after  a  short  halt,  packs  were  deposited  and  the  marching  continued 
to  crossing,  and  then  up  creek  about  seventy-five  yards,  where  the  troops  were  placed  under 
the  best  shelter  to  be  found,  but  which  was  not  sufficient  to  prevent  quite  a  heavy  loss 
from  the  enemy's  fire,  which  opened  immediately  after  the  packs  were  deposited,  and  was 
quite  heavy  during  the  march,  and  for  half  an  hour  after  taking  a  new  position. 

Upon  halting,  I  found  one  of  my  troops,  Troop  D,  absent,  and  reported  its  absence  to 
the  Regimental  Commander,  who  sent  his  staff  officer  and  others  to  find  it,  but  without 
success.  At  about  2  p.  m.'the  second  squadron  was  formed  in  support  of  first  squadrnr., 
and  advanced  in  direction  of  Sugar  House  Ridge  between  the  two  block  houses,  keeping  a 
distance  of  twenty-five  yards  in  rear  of  first  squadron.  After  advancing  a  short  distance, 
came  in  view  of  troops  to  our  right  front  at  sugar  house,  and  on  left  front  troops  were 
advancing  on  block  house.  From  this  point  a  strip  of  thick  woods  continued  to  San  Juan 
Hills,  with  open  ground  to  the  right  in  the  direction  of  sugar  house,  with  a  slight  ridge 
running  from  house  to  near  the  woods. 

Finding  vacant  ground  at  lower  part  of  the  ridge,  near  woods,  the  Second  Squadron, 
three  troops,  took  position,  there  connecting  with  other  troops  on  its  right,  and  opened 
fire  on  the  earthworks  located  between  the  block  houses,  and  on  the  block  house  to  the 
left  of  it,  against  which  troops  were  advancing.  For  a  time  the  enemy's  fire  was  very 
heavy  on  our  position,  but  our  fire  soon  had  effect ;  as  the  enemy's  fire  slackened,  the 
squadron  advanced  without  check  to  crest  of  San  Juan  Hills.  Two  of  my  troops,  C  and  F, 
going  to  the  right  of  a  body  of  water  in  our  front,  and  G  troop  through  the  left  end  of 
it  with  myself.  The  troop  commander,  Lieutenant  Smith,  as  was  Lieutenant  Shipp,  bein^ 
killed  at  last  position.  C  and  F  troops  arrived  on  the  hill  to  the  right  of  the  road,  and  G 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  115 

troop  to  the  left  of  it  at  earthworks.  I  sent,  for  C  and  F  troops  to  join  me  on  left  of 
road,  as  there  were  no  other  troops  at  that  point  at  that  time,  but  before  the  order  was 
complied  with  other  troops  of  the  regiment  came  up  and  my  two  troops  were  ordered  to 
remain  to  right  of  road. 

Captain  Beck  with  his  troop  joined  on  my  left,  and  Captain  Ayres  with  his  troop  joined 
about  twenty  minutes  later  from  the  direction  of  the  woods  to  our  left  and  rear.  (A  few 
men  of  Troop  D  also  came  on  line.)  He  reported  his  arrival  to  Colonel  Wood  and  was 
placed  on  line  to  left  of  road ;  later  I  was  ordered  by  Regimental  Commander  to  take  charge 
of  troops  on  that  part  of  line  and  open  fire,  which  continued  about  ten  minutes,  when 
tiring  ceased  and  line  was  withdrawn  behind  crest  of  hillt  at  which  time  I  was  wounded, 
about  5  :45  p.  m.,  and  taken  to  the  rear. 

During  the  action  up  to  this  time,  the  officers  and  men  of  the  troops  with  me  behaved 
in  a  manner  to  entitle  them  to  the  highest  praise.  Officers  were  cool  and  quick  to  carry 
out  orders,  and  the  men  prompt  and  fearless  in  obeying.  Captain  Jones,  Lieutenants  Smith, 
Anderson,  Roberts  and  Whitehead  came  specially  under  my  notice  and  conducted  them- 
selves in  a  most  satisfactory  manner.  Lieutenant  Pershing,  R.  Q.  M.,  was  with  the  second 
squadron  when  posted  on  Sugar  House  Hill,  and  during  its  advance  on  San  Juan  Hills  ;  he 
conducted  himself  in  a  most  gallant  and  efficient  manner. 

I  would  like  to  mention  several  enlisted  men  of  Troop  G  for  their  coolness  and  daring, 
but  am  not  sufficiently  acquainted  with  them  to  state  their  names  positively  and  without 
reference  to  records.  Among  the  number  was  the  first  sergeant,  a  trumpeter,  I  believe 
Whiteby  name,  two  men  who  came  to  my  assistance  in  dragging  Lieutenant  Smith  from 
under  fire  after  he  was  hit,  and  two  men  who  dragged  myself  from  under  fire  after  being 
wounded.  The  first  sergeant  was  very  active  .and  efficient  in  commanding  troop  after  the 
death  of  Lieutenant  Smith,  and  the  trumpeter  kept  with  me  and  was  prompt  in  sounding 
calls,  as  ordered.  By  inquiry,  no  doubt,  all  these  men  can  be  identified  and  proper  credit 
given  them. 

I  remain,  very  respectfully, 

(Signed)  THEO.  J.  WINT, 

Major  Tenth  Cavalry. 

TROOP  C,  TENTH   CAVALRY 

In  camp  in  front  of  Santiago  de  Cuba,  July  5,  1898. 
The  Adjutant,  Tenth  Cavalry. 

Sir :  Pursuant  to  instructions,  I  have  the  honor  to  report  the  part  taken  by  Troop  C, 
Tenth  Cavalry,  in  the  engagement  in  front  of  Santiago  on  July  1  and  2,  1898 : 

The  troop,  with  one  officer  and  fifty-one  men,  left  its  camp  (with  the  regiment)  at 
4  :30  p.  m.,  June  30,  and  bivouacked  that  night  on  the  road  about  four  hundred  yards  south 
of  the  sugar  mill,  and  after  the  artillery  engagement  on  July  1  left  at  9  :20  a.  m.  for  the  line 
of  block  houses  held  by  the  enemy. 

About  10  :30  a.  m.,  while  on  the  road,  the  enemy  opened  fire.  Packs  were  dropped  and 
left  under  guard,  and  the  troop  ordered  into  the  river  bottom,  where  it  remained  about  half 
an  hour,  for  protection  from  fire  until  it  could  deploy.  While  here  a  shell  burst  over  the 
troop  and  I  was  struck  by  a  small  fragment  in  the  left  side  above  the  point  of  the  hip 
and  received  a  slight  flesh  wound.  My  troop  cut  the  wire  fence  to  the  right  of  the  creek 
and  deployed  into  the  woods  in  rear  of  the  front  line  of  the  regiment,  and  lay  under  cover 
in  support  on  the  right  of  the  Second  Squadron  until  the  command  to  advance  was  given. 

While  advancing,  and  near  the  road.  Colonel  Wood,  the  brigade  commander,  came  by 
and  told  me  to  move  my  troop  to  the  right  and  toward  the  block  house.  I  had  one  man 
killed  and  seven  wounded  in  reaching  the  top  of  the  hill.  Captain  Jones  came  up  with 
Troop  F,  Tenth  Cavalry,  soon  after  I  reached  the  block  house,  and  I  reported  my  troop  tr> 
him  and  formed,  with  his,  a  skirmish  line  and  moved  on  to  the  block  house  and  entrench- 
ments on  the  next  hill.  Here  my  troop  got  separated  from  Captain  Jones's,  but  with 
eighteen  men  of  my  own  and  several  from  other  organizations  moved  forward  about  four 
hundred  yards  when  the  fire  became  very  severe  and  I  had  two  men  wounded,and  halted. 

After  passing  the  entrenchments  on  the  second  hill  my  line  joined  that  of  Lieutenants 
Fleming  and  Miller  of  Troop  I,  Tenth  Cavalry,  which  was"  on  my  right,  and  from  then  our 
line  was  continuous.  Shortly,  Colonel  Roosevelt  and  part  of  his  regiment  joined  our  right 


116  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

and  I  reported  to  him  with  my  troop.  His  command  took  position  behind  the  crest  which 
we  now  occupied,  and  that  night  my  troop  and  Troop  I  entrenched  and  held  the  trenches 
during  July  2  and  3  and  joined  the  regiment  July  4. 

Casualties  :    Killed — One  man.     Wounded — One  officer,  nine  men. 

Very  respectfully, 

EDWARD  D.  ANDERSON, 
First  Lieutenant,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Commanding  Troop. 


Before  Santiago  de  Cuba,  July  5.  1898. 
The  Adjutant,  Tenth  United  States  Cavalry. 

Sir  :  In  compliance  with  instructions  from  your  office  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the 
following  report  concerning  the  part  taken  by  Troop  D,  Tenth  Cavalry,  while  in  action 
against  the  Spaniards  July  1,  2  and  3: 

On  the  morning  of  July  1,  Troop  D,  under  command  of  Captain  John  Bigelow,  Jr., 
occupied  the  line  of  outposts  and  performed  this  duty  until  withdrawn  preparatory  to  the 
forward  movement.  While  advancing  along  the  road,  and  in  close  proximity  to  the  balloon, 
the  troop  was  subjected  to  a  very  severe  artillery  and  small-arms  fire,  but  remained  orderly 
and  unshaken.  Sergeant  Hatcher  was  wounded  at  this  time.  The  tire  becoming  more 
severe,  the  troop  was  ordered  to  take  cover,  which  they  retained  only  a  few  minutes.  The 
deployment  was  made  to  the  left  and  occupied  considerable  time  owing  to  the  great 
difficulty  met  with  in  getting  through  the  dense  underbrush  and  chaparral.  The  line  being 
formed,  Troop  D,  occupying  the  extreme  left,  crossed  creek  and  moved  toward  block  house 
on  left  of  road  leading  to  Santiago.  Two  wire  fences  were  met  with,  which,  owing  to  the 
absence  of  wire  nippers,  held  the  troop  unnecessarily  long  under  a  well-directed  and 
deadly  lire.  At  the  first  fence  one  private  is  believed  to  have  been  killed  ;  at  the  second 
one  was  severely  wounded.  Beyond  the  fence  the  troop  advanced  under  a  heavy  fire  and 
charged  the  block  house  on  the  hill.  When  at  a  distance  of  about  seventy-five  yards  from 
the  block  house,  Captain  Bigelow  received  three  wounds  and  was  removed  to  the  rear  by 
Privates  Henderson  and  Boarman,  Troop  D.  This  removal  took  place  under  a  heavy  fire. 

Corporal  J.  Walker  was  probably  the  first  soldier  to  reach  the  top  of  the  hill  and  is 
believed  to  have  shot  the  Spaniard  who  killed  Lieutenant  O/d.  The  troop  remained  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  block  house  until  ordered  to  join  the  regiment  to  the  right  of  block  house 
and  were  under  fire,  then  under  command  of  Major  Wint.  A  portion  of  the  troop  under 
my  command  became  separated  during  some  turning  movement,  and  as  soon  as  I  learned 
that  contact  with  the  troop  was  lost  I  moved  on  block  house  near  ford.  From  this  point  I 
marched  my  detachment,  under  heavy  fire,  at  a  double  time  across  field  between  two  block 
houses,  intending  to  connect  with  what  appeared  to  be  troops  of  the  Tenth  Cavalry,  who 
were  to  my  left  and  front.  When  part  way  across,  I  was  halted  by  General  Sumner  and 
ordered  to  place  my  men  in  position  and  to  act  as  a  part  of  his  reserve.  On  July  2  and  3 
the  troop  took  up  position  in  the  line  of  investment. 

Very  respectfully. 

A.  E.   KENNINGTON, 
Lieutenant,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Commanding  Troop  D. 

Camp  A.  G.  Forse,  Huntsville.  Ala..  December  19,  1898. 
Adjutant  General,  U.  S.  A.,  Washington,  D.  C.     (Through  military  channels). 

Sir :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  part  taken  by  Troop  D, 
Tenth  Cavalry,  in  the  engagements  before  Santiago  de  Cuba,  so  far  as  it  is  known  to  me  : 

On  the  30th  of  June  the  troop  marched  with  the  second  squadron  of  the  Tenth  Cavalry, 
Major  Wint's,  from  Sevilla,  and  encamped  a  few  hundred  yards  beyond  El  Poso  on  an 
eminence  overlooking  the  basin  of  the  San  Juan  river,  or  creek.  My  troop  served  as  sup- 
port to  Lieutenant  Smith's,  which  was  on  picket  about  one  hundred  yards  to  its  front.  In 
the  morning  it  was  placed  on  picket,  relieving  Lieutenant  Smith's  troop.  Soon  after  my 
sentinels  were  posted  I  was  ordered  to  withdraw  my  troop  and  prepare  to  march.  Having 
done  so,  I  took  my  place  with  my  troop  in  the  column  and,  after  waiting  half  an  hour  to  an 
hour  for  the  column  to  move,  marched  with  the  column  past  El  Poso  and  the  division 
military  hospital  in  the  direction  of  San  Juan.  The  military  balloon  passed  over  our  regi- 
ment from  rear  to  front  while  we  were  at  a  halt.  At  a  halt  made  soon  afterwards  I  was 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  117 

ordered  to  have  my  men  strip  themselves  of  everything  but  arms  and  ammunition.  The 
rolls,  haversacks,  and  canteens  of  my  men  were  taken  off  and  laid  on  the  ground  near  the 
road  and  two  men  detailed  to  remain  with  them  as  guard.  About  this  time  our  balloon 
commenced  coming  down  near  the  head  of  our  regiment.  When  about  one  hundred  feet 
from  the  ground  it  was  fired  at  by  the  enemy's  artillery.  About  the  same  time  we  received 
a  volley  of  infantry  fire  coming  down  the  road  over  our  heads  too  high  to  strike  anyone. 
The  troop  ahead  of  mine  started  to  the  rear,  but  was  soon  checked.  I  understand  that,  the 
impulse  to  break  to  the  rear  was  imparted  to  it  by  the  Seventy-first  New  York.  My  men 
were  lying  down  in  the  road  facing  the  left,  by  order  of  the  squadron  commander,  Major 
Wint.  The  enemy's  fire,  delivered  in  volleys,  kept  raking  the  road  and  riddling  the  dense 
foliage  about  us.  I  thought  that  the  enemy  had  the  range  of  our  position,  or  at  least  the 
direction  of  this  road,  and  that  the  situation  demanded  that  the  troops  be  moved  off  the 
road  cither  to  the  right  or  left,  or  formed  so  as  to  face  in  the  direction  from  which  the  fire 
was  coming.  I  looked  around  for  the  squadron  commander  to  get  his  permission  to  move 
my  troop  off  the  road,  or  to  make  a  change  of  front  with  it  to  the  right.  He  was  not  any- 
where in  sight.  I  had  seen  him  some  time  before  going  toward  the  right  of  our  line,  or 
head  of  our  column.  After  waiting  some  time  for  him  to  return,  I  acted  on  my  own  respon- 
sibility by  bringing  my  troop  around  at  right  angle  to  the  road,  its  right  resting  on  the  road, 
its  left  lying  in  the  wood.  In  this  position  I  was  free  from  the  troop  on  my  right,  in  case 
it  should  again  break  to  the  rear.  I  was  under  the  impression  that  we  were  much  nearer 
the  enemy  than  afterwards  proved  to  be  the  case,  and  expected  the  regiment  to  deploy 
across  the  road  at  any  minute. 

From  my  studying  of  tactics  and  the  drill  regulations,  together  with  my  limited  ex- 
perience in  field  exercises,  1  knew  that  in  dismounted  fighting,  especially  in  a  densely  wooded 
country,  the  time  comes  when  the  direction  of  operations  is  necessarily  left  to  the  company 
commanders,  and  I  judged  that  this  time  had  come  or  could  not  be  far  off.  I  did  not  know- 
but  that  the  squadron  commander  was  disabled,  and  I  was  determined  that  my  men  should 
not  be  decimated  without  doing  any  execution  through  fear  of  responsibility  or  lack  of 
initiative  on  my  part.  I  felt  that  it  would  be  erring  on  the  right  side  to  anticipate  slightly 
the  proper  time  for  independent  action  on  the  part  of  company  commanders.  After  waiting 
a  minute  or  two  in  my  new  position,  the  enemy's  fire  not  abating  and  no  superior  officer 
appearing,  I  faced  my  troop  to  the  left  and  pushed  into  the  wood  far  enough  to  clear  the  road 
by  about  ten  or  twenty  yards  with  the  rear  of  my  column,  when  I  came  upon  a  line  of 
infantry  skirmishers  apparently  without  officers.  I  had  my  troop  face  to  the  right,  or  in 
the  general  direction  in  which  the  road  ran,  and  prepared  to  advance.  In  anticipation  of 
the  difficulty  of  penetrating  the  dense  undergrowth  I  took  immediate  charge  of  one  platoon 
and  gave  my  lieutenant,  Second  Lieutenant  A.  E.  Kenningtpn,  Tenth  Cavalry,  charge  of  the 
other,  with  instructions  to  keep  his  platoon  in  touch  with  mine.  I  then  proceeded  to  advance 
in  a  direction  generally  parallel  to  the  road  which  I  had  just  left.  I  expected  that  by  the 
time  I  arrived  abreast  of  the  head  of  my  regiment  I  would  find  it  deployed  or  deploying. 
Under  the  enemy's  unaimed  fire  we  pushed  through  the  dense  wood  and  undergrowth, 
waded  a  creek  about  knee  deep,  and  a  short  distance  beyond  it  came  upon  a  line  of  troops 
lying  in  a  road ;  but  it  was  not  our  regiment.  Here  I  received  word  from  my  lieutenant 
that  he,  with  his  platoon,  was  some  distance  to  my  right.  He  inquired  whether  he  should 
join  me.  As  there  was  a  heavy  fire  coming  down  the  road,  and  I  did  not  wish  to  expose 
his  men  unnecessarily,  I  answered  in  the  negative.  The  bearer  of  the  message  to  and  from 
me  was  Sergeant  George  Dyals,  of  my  troop,  who  was  afterwards  wounded  so  that_  he  lost 
the  sight  of  one  eye.  He  has  since  been  discharged  for  physical  disability. 

The  wood  terminated:  in  a  thin  belt  just  beyond  this  road.  After  lying  a  few  minutes 
in  the  road  1  proceeded  with  my  platoon  through  this  belt  of  wood  and  came  upon  open 
ground  overgrown  with  tall  grass  reaching  nearly  to  the  waist.  Here  the  enemy's  fire 
seemed  to  come  principally  from  our  left.  I  accordingly  faced  my  men  to  the  left,  and 
filed  off  in  that  direction.  As  a  number  of  bullets  dropped  near  us,  Sergeant  John  Elliott 
of  my  troop  came  up  to  me,  and  pointing  to  a  tree  on  our  right,  said  that  he  saw  something 
stirring  in  it ;  that  it  looked  like  a  Spaniard,  and  that  he  would  like  my  permission  to  fire 
at  it.  1  looked  at  the  tree,  but  it  was  so  dense  that  I  could  not  see  into  it.  I  had  been 
cautioned  by  troops  whom  I  had  passed  against  firing,  as  there  were  troops  in  front. 
Remarking  that  it  might  be  a  Cuban  or  one  of  our  own  men,  I  refused  the  permission. 


118  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

Soon  afterwards,  while  we  were  lying  down,  Private  George  Stovall  of  my  troop  was  shot 
through  the  heart  and  killed  ;  the  same  shot  wounded  Private  Wade  Bledsoe  in  the  thigh. 
About  one  hundred  yards  farther  on  we  came  upon  a  squad  of  infantrymen  sitting  under 
some  trees  on  the  edge  of  the  aforementioned  belt  of  wood,  around  an  officer  who  was 
lying  on  his  back  bleeding  from  the  face,  and  who  died  while  we  were  there.  I  believe  that 
this  officer  and  Privates  Stovall  and  P>ledsoe  were  shot  by  the  sharpshooter  whom  Sergeant 
Elliott  wanted  to  fire  at.  The  infantrymen  stated  that  our  men  were  falling  back  and  the 
Spaniards  advancing.  We  could  not  see  any  enemy.  On  our  left  was  a  stream  which  I 
took  to  be  the  one  we  had  crossed.  From  the  other  side  of  it  came  sounds  of  voices  and 
loud  reports  of  firing.  We  could  not  tell  whether  they  were  Spaniards  or  American,  but  I 
thought  it  was  best  to  take  our  chances  on  their  being  American.  We  accordingly  waded 
the  stream,  and  pushing  into  the  wood  on  the  opposite  bank,  found  oursedves  among  the 
men  of  General  Hawkins'  brigade.  They  were  lying  in  a  road  on  the  edge  of  the  wood. 
Beyond  them  stretched  a  plain  about  six  hundred  yards  wide,  overgrown  with  tall  grass 
like  that  through  which  we  had  just  passed.  At  the  farther  edge  of  the  plain  was  a  hill 
about  150  feet  high,  now  known  to  our  troops  at  San  Juan  Hill,  or  a  part  of  it.  On  the 
top  of  this  hill  was  a  block  house  and  a  structure  that  looked  like  a  shed.  Here  and  there 
puffs  of  light  smoke  indicated  that  the  position  was  manned  by  infantry  firing  at  the  enemy 
on  the  hill.  It  seemed  to  be  falling  back  on  the  main  line.  There  was  no  firing  in  the 
latter.  My  men  and  myself  lay  down  in  this  road  with  the  infantry.  Everybody  whom  I 
could  then  see  was  lying  down  except  one  officer  of  infantry,  who  was  walking  up  and  down 
the  road  in  the  rear  of  the  line  exposed  to  a  fire  which  raked  the  road.  From  conversation 
with  officers  of  the  Sixteenth  Infantry  I  understand  that  this  was  Captain  George  H.  Palmer 
of  that  regiment.  I  asked  him  whether  it  was  not  about  time  to  advance  to  the  support  of 
the  line  out  in  the  plain  which  seemed  to  me  to  be  falling  back.  He  replied  that  he  supposed 
it  would  be  pretty  soon,  and  kept  on  walking  as  before. 

Sergeant  Elliott  of  my  troop  asked  permission  to  go  up  to  the  fence  and  do  some  firing, 
i  replied,  "Go  ahead,  sergeant,  if  you  think  you  can  do  any  good."  He  accordingly  stood 
up  by  the  fence  and  fired  seven  shots,  when,  having  attracted  the  enemy's  fire,  he  fell  back 
and  lay  down. 

Immediately  in  front  of  us,  beyond  the  road,  ran  a  barbed  wire  fence.  There  were  no 
wire  nippers  in  my  troop.  With  a  view  to  an  advance  through  this  fence,  I  dug  with  mv 
hands  at  one  of  the  fence  posts,  but  soon  concluded  that  I  could  not  accomplish  anything 
in  that  way.  1  then  stood  up  and  pulled  and  pushed  at  the  post,  but  made  no  appreciable 
impression  on  it.  So  I  lay  down  again  and  continued  looking  out  on  the  plain  for  signs 
of  an  advance.  After  a  while  I  observed  near  the  edge  of  the  open  plain  on  our  left  a 
swarm  of  men  breaking  forward  from  the  road.  I  went  up  to  the  top  of  the  wire  fence  by 
stepping  from  wire  to  wire  near  a  post,  and  jumped  off  the  top,  calling  to  my  men  as  I 
struck  the  ground  to  come  on.  Corporal  John  Walker  of  my  troop  got  a  bayonet  and  cut 
the  wire.  My  men  and  a  number  of  infantrymen  went  through  the  opening  thus  made. 
I  struck  out  as  fast  as  the  tall  grass  would  permit  me  toward  the  common  objective  of  the 
mass  of  men  which  I  now  saw  surging  forward  on  my  right  and  left — San  Juan  Hill.  The 
men  kept  up  a  steady  double  time,  and  commenced  firing  of  their  own  accord  over  one 
another's  heads  and  the  heads  of  the  officers,  who  were  well  out  in  front  of  the  men.  I 
tried  to  stop  the  firing,  as  I  thought  it  would  seriously  retard  the  advance,  and  the  officers 
near  me  tried  to  do  it ;  but  a  constant  stream  of  bullets  went  over  our  heads,  the  men  halting 
in  an  erect  position  to  fire.  The  men  covered,  I  should  say,  about  fifty  yards  from  front  to 
rear.  They  formed  a  swarm  rather  than  a  line.  When  they  were  not  firing  they  seemed 
to  be  all  cheering  and  yelling.  Our  firing,  though  wild,  was  not  altogether  ineffective,  and 
retarded  the  advance  less  than  I  had  thought  it  would.  I  could  see  the  side  of  the  hill 
dotted  with  little  clouds  of  dust  thrown  up  by  our  bullets.  We  evidently  peppered  it  pretty 
hotly  from  top  to  bottom,  and  I  learned  since  then  that  many  dead  and  wounded  Spaniards 
were  found  in  the  trenches  on  top  of  the  hill.  These  casualties,  however,  were  caused  in 
part,  perhaps  mostly,  by  the  fire  of  our  small  advance  line  prior  to  the  assault.  This  line 
was  composed,  I  understand,  mostly  of  classified  marksmen  and  sharpshooters. 

As  we  approached  the  foot  of  the  hill  our  artillery  commenced  firing  over  our  heads  at 
the  enemy  on  top  of  it.  This  caused  a  slowing  up  in  the  general  advance.  When  I  was 
about  half  way  up  the  hill  I  was  disabled  by  three  bullet  wounds  received  simultaneously. 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 


119 


I  had  already  received  one,  but  did  not  know  it.  What  took  place  subsequent  to  my  dis- 
ablement, in  the  direction  of  the  enemy,  is  known  to  me  only  through  the  statements  of  my 
men  and  others,  substantiated  by  the  depositions  inclosed  herewith.  My  platoon  went  to 
the  top  of  the  hill  with  the  infantry,  and  was  soon  afterwards  conducted  by  Lieutenant  J.  J. 
Pershing,  regimental  quartermaster,  Tenth  Cavalry,  to  the  line  of  the  Tenth  Cavalry,  a 
short  distance  to  the  right. 

The  following  men  of  the  platoon  especially  distinguished  themselves  :  Sergeant  James 
Elliott,  Corporal  John  Walker,  and  Private  (now  Corporal)  Luchious  Smith.  Sergeant 
Elliott  and  Private  Smith  were,  during  the  ascent  of  the  hill,  constantly  among  the  bolder 
few  who  voluntarily  made  themselves  ground  scouts,  drawing  the  attention  of  the  enemy 
from  the  main  line  upon  themselves.  Corporal  Walker  was  with  the  handful  of  fearless 
spirits  who  accompanied  Lieutenant  Ord,  one  of  the  Sixth  United  States  Infantry,  forming 
with  that  splendid  young  soldier  the  point  of  General  Hawkins's  gallant  brigade,  the  head 


MAJ.  GEN.  WILLARD  A.  HOLBROOK 
CHIEF  OF  CAVALRY 


120  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

and  front  of  the  assault  ;and  it  was  Corporal  Walker  who  avenged  the  death  of  Lieutenant 
Ord. 

First  Sergeant  William  H.  Givens  was  with  the  platoon  which  I  commanded.  When- 
ever 1  observed  him  he  was  at  his  post  exercising  a  steadying  or  encouraging  influence 
upon  the  men,  and  conducting  himself  like  the  thorough  soldier  which  I  have  long  known 
him  to  be.  I  understand,  to  my  great  satisfaction,  that  he  has  been  rewarded  by  an  appoint- 
ment to  a  lieutenancy  in  an  immune  regiment. 

I  think  it  due  to  the  other  men  of  my  troop  to  say  that,  with  one  exception,  they 
proved  themselves  ready  to  follow  me  wherever  I  would  lead  them.  Their  conduct  made 
me  prouder  than  ever  of  being  an  officer  in  the  American  Army,  and  of  wearing  the  insignia 
of  the  Tenth  United  States  Cavalry. 

The  movements  of  the  plaloon  commanded  by  Lieutenant  Kennington  have,  I  believe, 
been  reported  to  you  by  that  officer. 

I  took  into  action,  including  Lieutenant  Kennington's  platoon,  but  not  including  the 
two  men  left  to  guard  the  packs,  two  officers  and  48  men.  My  losses  were  as  follows : 

Killed — Private  George  Stovall.  Wounded — Captain  John  Bigelow,  Jr.,  Sergeant  George 
Dyals,  Sergeant  Willis  Hatcher,  Private  J.  H.  Campbell,  Private  Henry  Fearn,  Private  Fred 
Shockley,  Private  Harry  Sturgis,  and  Private  James  F.  Taylor.  Missing— Private  Tames 
Clay. 

The  accompanying  map,  marked  D,  is  intended  to  show  roughly  the  course  taken  by 
my  troop  after  it  left  the  regiment,  and  the  general  direction  of  the  attack  made  by  the 
regiment. 

Very  respectfully, 

JOHN  BIGELOW,  JR., 
Captain,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Commanding  Troop  D. 


Near  Santiago,  Cuba,  July  5,  1898. 
Adjutant  Tenth  Cavalry. 

Sir :  I  have  the  honor  to  submit  the  following  report  of  the  action  which  took  place 
on  this  field  July  1,  2  and  3,  1898: 

Troop  F,  Tenth  Cavalry,  which  I  commanded,  was  in  column  of  twos  in  the  road  at  a 
halt  awaiting  the  passage  of  a  column  of  infantry  when  fire  from  the  Spanish  entrenchments 
opened.  The  troop  came  under  a  very  dense  fire — musketry  and  artillery — at  once,  with  no 
means  of  determining  from  whence  the  tire  came,  as  all  view  was  entirely  cut  off  by  the 
densest  underbrush  which  lined  the  road,  and  no  effective  cover  to  get  to.  After  something 
like  half  an  hour  of  this  fire  the  squadron  was  put  in  the  attacking  line  as  support  and 
moved  forward.  In  the  brush  and  amid  the  roar  of  guns  all  sight  of  the  firing  line  and 
touch  of  adjoining  troops  was  lost.  Lieutenant  Whitehead,  with  a  part  of  the  second 
platoon,  were  also  separated  from  the  troop,  and  I  think  passed  in  front  of  the  troop  from 
left  to  right  during  the  advance.  Lieutenant  Wnitehead  joined  his  detachment  to  the  first 
command  he  met  and  advanced  with  it.  The  troop  advanced  at  double  time  on  the  enemy's 
works  as  soon  as  out  of  the  brush  and  in  sight  of  the  works.  On  arriving  on  the  hill  on 
which  the  works  stood  it  was  found  that  the  works  were  carried  and  the  Spaniards  were 
retreated  to  the  next  crest.  The  troops  had  become  mixed  up  in  a  crowd  of  disorganized 
soldiers  at  the  works.  It  was  at  once  assembled,  line  of  skirmish  was  formed,  the  advance 
taken  up  in  the  direction  of  the  retreat  of  the  enemy.  While  at  the  first  works  Lieutenant 
Anderson,  with  a  part  of  Troop  C,  reported  to  me  as  the  senior  officer  of  the  regiment 
present  and  was  put  on  the  skirmish  line  on  the  right  of  my  troops.  We  advanced  together 
over  the  next  ridge  and  down  it  to  within  about  five  hundred  yards  of  the  works  at  present 
occupied  by  the  enemy.  Here  we  remained  for  some  time  exchanging  fire  with  the  enemy 
in  the  works.  My  left  was  on  the  road.  There  were  troops  on  my  left,  and  a  little  less 
advanced,  and  troops  on  my  right  a  little  more  advanced,  but  their  firing  was  not  strong. 
Being,  so  far  as  I  know,  unsupported,  I  sent  word  back  to  the  squadron  commander  describ- 
ing my  position,  and  was  ordered  to  return  to  the  crest  of  the  hill  which  our  troops  now 
occupy  on  the  road.  Here  I  received  word  that  the  hill  was  to  be  held  at  all  hazards.  The 
troop  occupied  the  crest,  exchanging  (ire  with  the  enemy,  until  dark.  During  the  night  a 
trench  was  dug  and  occupied  at  daylight,  the  morning  of  the  2nd.  The  troop  remained  in 
this  trench  until  late  in  the  afternoon,  every  exposure  at  the  trench  drawing  fire  from  the 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  121 

enemy.  The  fire  was  returned  only  when  several  of  the  enemy  exposed  themselves  at  once. 
On  the  night  of  the  2nd  the  troop  was  joined  with  the  regiment  and  moved  farther  to  the 
right  on  the  general  line,  where  it  was  again  entrenched,  and  has  remained  in  the  trenches 
to  the  present  time. 

Lieutenant  Whitehead,  who  was  separated  from  the  troop  at  the  commencement  of  the 
advance,  returned  to  it  soon  after  it  reached  its  most  advanced  position,  bringing  his  detach- 
ment with  him. 

1  wish  to  mention  both  Lieutenant  Anderson,  who  was  with  me  from  the  termination 
of  the  first  assault,  and  Lieutenant  Whitehead  for  their  coolness  and  bravery.  I  could  only 
do  justice  to  the  troop  by  mentioning  by  name  all  who  were  engaged,  not  only  for  their 
bravery,  but  for  their  splendid  discipline  under  the  most  demoralizing  fire. 

Killed — First  Lieutenant  W.  E.  Shipp,  on  temporary  staff  duty.  Wounded — Second 
Lieutenant  H.  C.  Whitehead,  slightly,  and  continued  in  action ;  Sergeant  Amos  Elliston, 
Sergeant  Frank  Rankin,  Corporal  Allen  Jones,  Blacksmith  Charles  Robertson,  Private  Ison 
Taylor,  Private  Benjamin  West. 

Very  respectfully, 

T.  W.  JONES, 
Captain,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Commanding  Troop  F. 


Report  of  Gun  Detachment,  Second  Cavalry  Brigade,  composed  of  Tenth  Cavalry,  on 
July  1  : 

Before  Santiago  de  Cuba,  July  1,  1898. 
Adjutant  General  Second  Cavalry  Brigade. 

Sir:  I  have  the  honor  to  report  that  on  July  1,  1898,  this  detachment  went  into  action 
on  the  road  about  one  hundred  yards  beyond  the  first  crossing  of  the  San  Juan  Creek  and 
opened  up  on  the  blcck  house  and  entrenchment  about  six  hundred  yards  to  the  right  of 
the  road  and  did  some  effective  work  with  eight  or  ten  shots,  and,  not  having  any  cover, 
was  forced  to  retire,  having  two  men  wounded  in  a  very  few  minutes — Sergeant  J.  G.  L. 
Taylor,  Troop  E,  Tenth  Cavalry,  and  Private  Peter  Saunders,  Troop  B,  Tenth  Cavalry. 
1  later  opened  fire  with  one  gun  on  hill  at  second  block  house  nearest  town,  on  an  entrench- 
ment occupied  by  Spanish  troops,  and  forced  them  to  leave  the  same.  After  a  few  shots 
1  was  relieved  by  a  light  battery  and  retired.  Shortly  after,  with  two  Hotchkiss  guns  and 
a  machine  gun,  I  took  position  on  crest  occupied  by  a  troop  of  the  First  United  States 
Cavalry,  (Captain  Galbraith's),  and  with  the  Hotchkiss  guns  did  some  effective  work  on  a 
blockhouse  in  our  immediate  front,  about  eight  hundred  or  nine  hundred  yards  distant.  The 
machine  gun  did  good  work  on  an  entrenchment. 

T  wish  to  mention  as  particularly  meritorious  and  gallant.  Sergeant  Watson  and  Private 
Saunders,  both  of  Troop  B,  Tenth  Cavalry,  in  aiding  a  wounded  corporal  of  the  Third 
Cavalry  to  a  hospital  under  a  heavy  artillery  fire,  he  being  deserted  by  everyone  else.  The 
same  men  deserve  special  mention  for  their  magnificent  behavior  during  the  entire  time 
they  were  in  action.  Private  Saunders  was  wounded  in  the  first  action  and  taken  to  the 
rear.  I  also  want  to  mention  Private  Daniels  of  Troop  F  for  gallant  behavior  in  the  first 
action. 

Very  respectfully, 

JAMES  B.  HUGHES, 
First  Lieutenant,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Commanding  Detachment, 


TROOP  G,  TENTH   CAVALRY 

Camp  Albert  G.  Forse,  Ala.,  November  30th,  1898. 
The  Adjutant  General,  Fourth  Army  Corps. 

Sir:  In  compliance  with  request  of  Major  General  Wheeler,  I  have  the  honor  to 
submit  the  following  report  of  the  action  of  this  troop  from  the  morning  of  July  1st  until 
1  p.  m.  of  the  same  day. 

The  troop  was  drawn  in  from  outpost  duty  about  6:30  a.  m.  July  1st,  and  about  9  a.  m. 
moved  from  El  Poso  down  the  road  toward  the  Spanish  position.  While  in  the  road  they 
were  passed  by  a  balloon,  which  shortly  afterward  drew  a  heavy  fire  from  the  Spanish. 

A  short  distance  from  the  point  where  the  road  crosses  the  river  we  were  halted  and 
ordered  to  lie  down,  and  remained  in  that  place  until  orders  were -brought  to  move  to  the 


122  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

right  into  the  bed  of  the  river.     This  we  accomplished  with  some  delay  owing  to  a  strong 
fence  of  harhed  wire  through  the  undergrowth  along  the  river. 

After  reforming  in  the  river  bed  we  moved  up  stream  a  few  hundred  yards  and  took 
such  shelter  as  was  afforded  by  the  river  bank.  The  fire  at  this  time  was  very  heavy, 
projectiles  from  both  artillery  and  small  arms  falling  around  and  among  the  troops. 

At  about  12  :30  p.  m.  the  troop  moved  up  the  bed  of  a  small  creek  that  flowed  in  from 
our  right,  and  by  direction  of  Major  VVint  came  into  an  open  space  in  sight  of  and  facing 
what  1  have  since  heard  called  the  Sugar  House  Ridge.  Here  the  troop  was  deployed  and 
just  as  the  first  advance  was  ordered  I  received  a  wound  through  the  body  that  prevented 
my  advancing  with  the  troop.  When  1  last  saw  them  they  were  advancing  in  good  order 
at  the  double  time  toward  the  two  block  houses  in  our  front. 

The  conduct  of  the  men  was  good  and  I  saw  no  inclination  to  hesitate  or  to  straggle. 

I  desire  to  especially  mention  the  conduct  of  Private  William  J.  Davis  and  Trumpeter 
James  Cooper  of  this  troop,  who  assisted  me  from  the  spot  where  I  fell  back  to  the  river 
under  a  very  sharp  fire  and  rendered  much  assistance  in  trying  circumstances  both  to  myself 
and  to  Acting  Assistant  Surgeon  Delgado,  into  whose  hospital  1  was  taken  and  which  had 
to  be  broken  up  on  account  of  its  becoming  too  much  exposed  to  the  enemy's  fire.  The  con- 
duct of  these  two  men,  in  my  opinion,  entitles  them  to  the  medal  of  honor  for  rescuing 
wounded  at  the  risk  of  their  own  lives. 

Referring  to  the  report  of  Major  T.  J.  Wint,  Tenth  Cavalry,  I  have  the  honor  to  state 
that  the  trumpeter  of  Troop  G,  to  whom  he  refers,  is  Trumpeter  Zachariah  Steward,  whose 
conduct  I  have  heard  highly  spoken  of. 

1  regret  that  I  am  not  able  to  give  a  more  complete  and  definite  account  of  this  action, 
but  I  did  not  get  far  enough  before  being  wounded  to  get  a  very  clear  idea  of  our  position 
with  reference  to  other  troops  or  to  the  Spanish  works. 

Very  respectfully, 

T.  A.  ROBERTS, 
Second  Lieutenant,  Tenth  U.  S.  Cavalry,  Commanding  Troop  G. 


APPENDIX  "E" 

COMMENDATORY   LETTER  BY    MAJOR   GENERAL   JOE   WHEELER. 

Headquarters  Cavalry  Division,  Camp  Wikoff,  L.  I.,  September  20,  1898. 
To  the  Officers  and  Soldiers  of  the  Cavalry  Division,  Army  of  Santiago : 

The  duties  for  which  the  troops  comprising  the  Cavalry  Division  were  brought  together 
have  been  accomplished. 

On  June  14th  we  sailed  from  Tampa,  Florida,  to  encounter  in  the  sickly  season  the 
diseases  of  the  tropical  island  of  Cuba,  and  to  face  and  attack  the  historic  legions  of  Spain 
in  positions  chosen  by  them  and  which  for  years  they  had  been  strengthening  by  every  art 
and  contrivance  known  to  the  skillful  military  engineers  of  Europe. 

On  the  23rd,  one  squadron  each  of  the  First  and  Tenth  Regular  Cavalry  and  two 
squadrons  of  the  First  Volunteer  Cavalry,  in  all  964  officers  and  men,  landed  on  Cuban 
soil.  These  troops  marched  on  foot  fourteen  miles,  and,  early  on  the  morning  of  the  24th, 
attacked  and  defeated  double  their  number  of  regular  Spanish  soldiers  under  the  command 
of  Lieutenant  General  Linares.  Eagerly  and  cheerfully  you  pushed  onward,  and  on  July 
1st  the  First,  Third,  Sixth,  Ninth  and  Tenth  Cavalry  and  the  First  Volunteer  Cavalry, 
forded  the  San  Juan  River  and  gallantly  swept  over  San  Juan  Hill,  driving  the  enemy  from 
its  crest.  Without  a  moment's  halt  you  formed,  aligning  the  division  upon  the  First  Infantry 
Division  under  General  Kent,  and,  together  with  these  troops,  you  bravely  charged  and 
carried  the  formidable  entrenchments  of  Fort  San  Juan.  The  entire  force  which  fought 
and  won  this  great  victory  was  less  than  seven  thousand  men. 

The  astonished  enemy,  though  still  protected  by  the  strong  works  to  which  he  had 
made  his  retreat,  was  so  stunned  by  your  determined  valor  that  his  only  thought  was  to 
devise  the  quickest  means  of  saving  himself  from  further  battle.  The  great  Spanish  fleet 
hastily  sought  escape  from  the  harbor  and  was  destroyed  by  our  matchless  Navy. 

After  seizing  the  fortifications  of  San  Juan  Ridge,  you,  in  the  darkness  of  night,  strongly 
entrenched  the  position  your  valor  had  won.  Reinforced  by  Bates'  Brigade  on  your  left 
and  Lawton's  Division  jon  your  right,  you  continued  the  combat  until  the  Spanish  Army  of 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  123 

Santiago  Province  succumbed  to  the  superb  prowess  and  courage  of  American  arms.     Peace 
promptly  followed,  and  you  return  to  receive  the  plaudits  of  seventy  millions  of  people. 

The  valor  displayed  by  you  was  not  without  sacrifice.  Eighteen  per  cent,  or  nearly  one 
in  five,  of  the  Cavalry  Division  fell  on  the  field  either  killed  or  wounded.  We  mourn  the 
loss  of  these  heroic  dead,  and  a  grateful  country  will  always  revere  your  memory. 

Whatever  may  be  my  fate,  wherever  my  steps  may  lead,  my  heart  will  always  burn  with 
increasing  admiration  for  your  courage  in  action,  your  fortitude  under  privation  and  your 
contant  devotion  to  duty  in  its  highest  sense,  whether  in  battle,  in  bivouac  or  upon  the  march 

JOE  WHEELER, 
Major  General,  U.  S.  V.,  Commanding. 

APPENDIX  "F" 

Camp  at  Casas  Grandes,  Mexico,  March  19,  1916. 
Colonel  W.  C.  Brown,  Tenth  U.  S.  Cavalry. 

Sir :  Information  has  been  received  that  Villa  bandits,  consisting  of  about  two  hundred 
men,  are  in  the  vicinity  of  San  Miguel,  where  they  are  probably  gathering  horses  and  sup- 
plies. You  will  entrain  two  squadrons  of  your  regiment  at  once  and  proceed  south,  disem- 
barking one  squadron  at  Cuevitas,  sending  the  other  squadron,  under  Major  Evans,  to 
disembark  at  Las  Varas. 

You  will  proceed  with  the  squadron  which  disembarks  at  Cuevitas  to  the  edge  of  the 
woods  surrounding  the  San  Miguel  plains  on  the  Cuevitas  trail.  From  this  point  you  will 
proceed  to  the  San  Migt'el  Ranch  so  as  to  reach  there  just  before  dawn  March  20,  1916. 
You  will  destroy  or  capture  any  forces  or  supplies  of  Villa  that  may  be  found  there.  In 
case  of  flight  you  will  follow  bandits,  sending  information  of  direction  taken  to  the  columns 
under  Major  Evans  and  Colonel  Erwin. 

Colonel  Erwin  with  the  Seventh  Cavalry  will  reach  a  point  west  of  El  Valle  tonight  to 
cooperate  with  your  column.  He  will  advance  on  San  Miguel  via  the  Cerrillo  Canyon  and 
reach  the  edge  of  the  San  Miguel  plain  at  daylight  March  20th,  there  await  the  result  of 
your  attack,  ready  to  act  as  circumstances  may  require. 

Major  Evans  on  disembarking  at  Las  Veras  will  remain  there  to  close  the  trail  leading 
southwest  from  San  Miguel. 

In  case  of  pursuit  the  commanders  of  all  columns  will  cooperate  to  accomplish  this 
mission. 

By  command  of  General  Pershing. 

J.  A.  RYAN, 
Major  Thirteenth  Cavalry,  Acting  Chief  of  Staff. 


APPENDIX  "G" 

From  :    W.  C.  Brown,  Tenth  Cavalry,  at  Cusi,  April  5,  '16,  noon. 

To :    General  Pershing  by  aeroplane. 

April  1st  having  received  no  reply  from  message  sent  to  Colonel  Dodd  March  30th, 
and  having  sent  to  the  R.  R.,  San  Antonio,  to  communicate  with  division  headquarters,  left 
Major  Evans  April  1st  at  San  Juan  del  Monte  to  guard  that  pass  and  road,  and  proceeded 
with  Young's  squadron  on  road  to  Guerrero  expecting  to  meet  Colonel  Dodd  there. 

About  twelve  miles  out,  at  a  place  called  Aguas  Calientes,  where  there  are  four  or  five 
ranches,  we  were  fired  on  by  Mexicans  who,  it  was  later  found,  was  Beltran's  band  of  about 
one  hundred  and  fifty  (estimated  roughly),  of  Villistas.  After  a  few  minutes'  firing  they 
retreated  over  a  rough  wooded  ridge  to  our  left.  Major  Young  sent  Troops  H  and  F  to 
attack  them  in  flank,  which  proved  a  good  move.  The  enemey  made  a  precipitate  retreat 
at  once.  Killed  three ;  so  reported  by  escaped  Carranza  prisoners,  who  saw  them  shot.  We 
saw  but  two.  No  casualties  on  our  side  except  an  F  Troop  horse,  which  died  on  3rd. 

The  enemy  left  the  pack  outfit  of  a  machine  gun,  and  we  learned  next  day  that  they 
still  had  one  machine  gun  which  was  out  of  order.  The  running  fight  conducted  mainly  by 
H  and  F  Troops  in  wooded  mountains  to  southeast  of  Aguas  Calientes  and  the  command 
assembled  after  dark  at  small  ranch  called  El  Mestiha. 


124  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

April  2nd  I  took  the  southermost  and  largest  trail,  with  H  and  G  Troops  and  two 
machine  guns;  Major  Young,  E  and  F,  and  two  machine  guns.  Young  soon  lost  his 
smaller  trail  and  camped  at  Napa  Veche  Ranch  on  edge  of  Bostill's  plain.  I  followed  my 
trail  for  six  or  seven  miles  when  it  seemed  to  go  out  on  the  plain  where  tracks  scattered 
and  trail  was  lost.  Its  general  direction  was  east  by  south  and  over  mountains  so  exceed- 
ingly rough  and  rocky  that  it  was  barely  passable  by  leading  the  mounts.  I  camped  that 
night  at  Napa  Veche. 

As  we  left  camp  (two  miles  out)  two  natives  approached  and  said  that  they  were 
Carrancistas  who  had  been  impressed  by  Villa.  Said  Beltran  was  short  of  ammunition. 
We  sent  to  their  camp  and  got  four  rifles,  three  mules  and  one  pony,  and  two  more  men, 
one  of  whom  is  thought  to  be  a  Villista  and  is  sent  back  with  the  pack  train.  The  others 
were,  on  the  3rd  inst.,  released  at  the  suggestion  of  one  of  the  Carranza  officers  with  us. 

April  3rd  marched  thirteen  miles  to  San  Antonio.  We  followed  the  trail  the  most  of 
the  way  but  it  soon  diminished  to  a  few  tracks.  I  am  now  of  the  opinion  that  the  main 
trail  went  nearly  due  south  of  Napa  Veche  and  crossed  the  R.  R.  some  five  to  eight  miles 
west  of  San  Antonio. 

A  Mr.  Locke,  an  American  hotel  keeper  of  Minaca,  came  into  our  camp  and  told  of  the 
attack  at  Minaca  at  4  a.  m.  some  days  previous.  Two  of  his  companions  were  killed  but 
he  escaped. 

N.  B. — Late  April  1st  1  sent  two  native  guides  (pacificos)  on  two  of  our  mules  to 
Major  Evans,  advising  him  of  our  fight  and  to  look  out  for  enemy  debouching  on  the  big 
plain.  Have  not  heard  whether  he  got  the  message.  Sent  another  to  him  from  Napa  Veche 
April  2nd.  Same  result. 

Guides  and  messengers  are  hard  to  get  as  they  fear  retaliation  by  Villa  for  serving 
the  Americans.  To  send  a  message  on  night  of  1st  inst.  to  me  had'  to  deposit  his  watch 
and  diamcr.d  ring  as  security  for  return  of  messenger.  At  San  Antonio  we  found  it  impos- 
sible to  send  telegrams  unless  prepaid,  though  urgency  of  matter  was  represented.  I  sold 
a  $2.50  knife  to  a  soldier  for  fifty  cents  to  get  money  to  send  one  short  official  telegram. 
This  condition  has  become  so  intolerable  that  at  Cusi  today  I  found  I  could  get  Mexican 
coin  and  checks  on  my  personal  check. 

I  have  drawn  my  personal  check  today  for  $1,100.00  gold  to  loan  to  officers  and  the 
quartermaster  to  purchase  supplies,  forage  and  rations.  I  had  previously  spent  my  last 
cent  for  this  purpose  and  drawn  personal  checks  for  $160.00  for  same  purpose. 

Since  leaving  the  railroad  on  20th  we  have  had  hay  or  fodder  three  times,  and  about 
one-third  of  the  allowance  each  time.  Have  lost  about  four  or  five  horses  from  corn  colic. 

We  have  practically  no  horseshoes  left,  and  from  now  on  shoes  lost  will  leave  horses 
unshod.  Men  have  lived  on  fresh  beef,  tortillas  made  from  corn  meal  which  we  have  ground 
ourselves,  and  in  the  main  in  good  health.  We  left  one  man  sick  at  San  Antonio  this 
morning.  We  have  men  afoot,  but  for  fact  that  I  got  six  Villa  mounts  at  La  Temada, 
bought  several  and  captured  several.  I  think  I  can  go  another  week  and  am  marching  on 
S.  Boria  where  I  expect  to  get  in  touch  again  with  Carranza  troops  and  put  this  squadron 
and  machine  gun  troop  where  it  will  be  most  effective.  My  personal  opinion  is,  however, 
that  the  various  demoralized  Villa  bands  will  soon  (if  not  now)  be  so  scattered  that  it  will 
prove  fruitless  to  follow  them. 

One  F  trooper,  who  was  walking  on  punishment  given  by  Captain  Valentine  for  dis- 
obedience of  orders,  deserted  April  1.  I  understand  Major  Tompkins'  command  saw  him 
at  a  ranch. 

Don't  know  where  Evans  is,  but  he  is  enterprising  and  I  am  satisfied  that  if  he  got 
my  message  of  the  1st  he  is  doing  all  possible. 

We  should  have  a  wireless  outfit  for  each  squadron.  Captain  Foulois  has  given  me  a 
map  much  needed,  and  Lieutenant  Deuel  is  mapping  the  country  as  we  go  along. 

W.  C.  BROWN, 

Colonel,  Tenth  Cavalry. 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 


125 


APPENDIX  "H" 

Camp  at  San  Geronimo,  April  5.  1916. 
Colonel  W.  C.  Brown, 
Tenth  Cavalry, 

Enroute  South  from  Cnsi. 
Sir: 

1.  Colonel  Dodd,  with  Seventh  Cavalry,  is  near  Santa  Tomas.     Major  Evans  arrived 
at   Namiquipa   today.     Major   Howze   is   near   Guerrero  and   moving   southeast   toward   San 
Borja.     Lieutenant  Colonel  Allen,  Eleventh  Cavalry,  leaves  here  tomorrow  for  San  Antonio 
and  points  south. 

2.  From  all  information  received  it  is  believed  that  Villa,  with  an  escort,  is  going  to 
Parral,  being  carried  in  a  stretcher  or  carriage. 

The  Commanding  General  directs  that  in  order  to  cut  Villa  off  that  you  proceed  from 
Cusi  to  Parral  via  Bananoleva,  Satevo,  Valle  de  Zargosa-Sapien.  You  are  reminded  that 
Colonel  Cano  has  moved  in  that  direction  and  from  him  guides  may  be  procured  who  will 
be  of  great  assistance. 

Your  movement  may  also  shield  movements  of  Major  Tompkins  and  Major  Howze. 
who  are  following  Villa's  trail. 

3.  On  arrival  at  Parral  you  will  be  guided  by  the  information  you  secure. 

4.  An  advance  sub-base  will  be  established  at  San  Antonio,  on  the  railroad,  from  which 
a  pack  train  will  be  sent  you  carrying  horseshoes,  nails,  salt,  money,  and  other  supplies. 

5.  Exhausted  men  and  worn  out  animals  will  be  sent  to  San  Antonio  where  they  will 
be  cared  for  until  tit  for  service. 

6.  Every  effort  possible  should  be  made  to  reach  Parral  without  delay. 

7.  It  is  not  understood  why  you  have  not  been  able  to  send  reports  of  your  column, 
and  the  Commanding  General  directs  that  his  orders  on  this  subject  be  strictly  complied  with. 

8.  You  are  authorized  to  employ  guides,  interpreters,  secret  service  men,  or  other  indi- 
viduals who  may  be  of  service  to  you,  and  to  purchase  all  kinds  of  supplies  that  you  may 
need.     Money  will  be  furnished  you  from  here  and  an  effort  will  also  be  made  to  send  you 
money  through  the  American  Consul  at  Chihuahua. 

9.  You  will   make  every  effort  to  cooperate   with   our  own  columns   and   those  of  the 
Carranza   forces   operating  in   your   vicinity   with   a  view   to  accomplish   the   object   of  your 
mission. 

10.  Send  reports  to  San  Antonio. 

J.  A.  RYAN, 
Major,  Thirteenth  Cavalry,  I.  O.  Acting  Chief  of  Staff. 


APPENDIX  "I" 

From  :    Colonel  W.  C.  Brown,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Santa  Cruz,  April  12th,  8  p.  m. 

To  :    General  Pershing. 

Subject:  Engagement  of  Major  Tompkins'  command  with  Carranza  troops  at  Parral 
April  12. 

I  desire  to  report  that  while  in  camp  near  Sapien  about  6 :30  p.  m.,  three  Thirteenth 
Cavalrymen  of  Major  Tompkins'  Squadron  came  to  our  camp  with  word  that  the  squadron 
had  been  attacked  by  Carrancista-;  in  Parral  and  had  retreated  to  this  place  where  they  had 
made  a  stand  and  that  several  men  had  been  killed  and  that  fighting  was  going  on  when 
they  left  the  command.  Leaving  our  two  pack  mules  and  led  horses  with  a  small  guard  at 
the  little  ranch  where  we  were  camped,  we  were  in  saddle  in  ten  minutes  and  reached  this 
place,  eight  miles  south,  in  one  hour ;  arriving  after  dark  and  some  two  hours  after  the 
Carranza  forces  had  ceased  firing. 

1  found  Tompkins'  squadron  here,  where  the  ranch  buildings  afforded  a  fine  defensive 
position.  Tompkins  and  Lieutenant  Ord  were  slightly  wounded,  the  former  in  the  left 
breast  and  the  latter  in  the  left  ear.  Four  (4)  troopers  were  wounded,  and  Sergeant  Ridgley. 
Troop  M,  Thirteenth  Cavalrv,  and  Private  Ledford,  Troom  M,  Thirteenth  Cavalry,  killed. 
The  names  of  the  wounded  are  Corporal  McGee,  Troop  M,  shot  in  mouth ;  Corporal 
Wiilingham,  Troop  K,  leg;  Corporal  Tannous,  Troop  K,  right  forearm;  Private  Schon- 


126  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

burger,    slight   wound    in    left   hip;    Private    Eichenberger,    Troop    M,    with    rear   guard,    is 
missing. 

From  Major  Tompkins  and  his  officers  the  following  particulars  of  the  fight  and  events 
leading  up  to  it  were  gathered : 

When  Major  Tompkins  camped  at  Valle  de  Zaragosa  (Concho)  General  Lozano,  of  the 
Carrancista  forces  at  Parral,  sent  a  captain  and  lieutenant  to  Concho  where  they  arrived 
late  at  night  lor  consultation  with  Major  Tompkins.  They  appeared  to  be  very  much 
pleased  with  the  appearance  of  American  troops  in  this  district,  a  fact  that  I  noticed  on 
the  part  of  people  generally  when  I  arrived  twenty-four  hours  later. 

These  officers  announced  that  they  were  subject  to  Major  Tompkins'  orders.  The 
captain  stated  that  Tompkins  would  be  well  received  in  Parral  and  that  he  (Tompkins) 
should  reach  Parral  about  11  a.  m.  April  12th.  The  march  was  planned  accordingly  arid 
the  command  arrived  at  the  designated  time. 

He  entered  the  town  with  the  advance  guard  as  an  escort,  proceeded  to  General  Lozano's 
house  where  a  conference  was  held.  No  new  information  of  Villa  could  be  obtained  other 
than  that  he  was  not  south  of  Parral.  The  General  then  said  he  would  conduct  Tompkins 
to  a  camping  place,  which  he  did,  riding  at  the  head  of  the  column.  As  the  rear  of  the 
column  was  leaving  the  outskirts  of  town  for  the  camp  it  was  fired  upon  by  persons  in 
the  town. 

This  was  reported  to  the  General,  and  he  at  once  returned  to  town  to  prevent  further 
firing.  Shortly  after  his  departure  a  man  in  civilian  dress,  who  seemed  to  be  an  official, 
came  to  Tompkins  and  begged  him  to  withdraw  in  order  to  avoid  a  conflict.  Tompkins 
explained  at  some  length  that  his  mission  in  Mexico  was  a  peacable  one  and  that  he  would 
do  all  in  his  power  to  prevent  a  conflict  with  Carranza  troops,  and  as  soon  as  the  supplies, 
which  had  been  ordered  of  one  of  the  American  merchants,  arrived  he  (Tompkins)  would 
march  north.  This  man  returned  to  a  hill  occupied  by  Mexican  troops  about  seven  hundred 
yards  distant  and  held  a  conference  with  some  of  these  troops,  which  immediately  began  to 
change  their  position  to  Tompkins'  left  flank.  This  move  was  checked  by  placing  men  or. 
a  more  commanding  position  on  our  left. 

The  Carrancistas  at  once  began  firing  from  the  front  and  left  flank,  and  advancing  at 
the  same  time  from  those  directions.  As  a  matter  of  self-preservation  Tompkins  was  forced 
to  return  this  fire,  using  but  sixteen  (16)  men  for  this  purpose,  while  the  pack  train  and 
balance  of  the  command  withdrew  to  the  north.  The  fire  of  the  Mexicans  was  well  aimed 
and  heavy.  They  killed  Sergeant  Ridgely,  and  wounded  Private  Ledford  in  the  left  lung. 
The  squadron  withdrew  slowly  and  in  good  order,  finally  reaching  the  main  road,  proceed- 
ing north  to  this  place.  Sta  Cruz. 

The  pursuit  was  at  first  feeble  and  timid  but  gradually  grew  bolder  as  the  numbers  of 
the  pursuers  increased,  which  eventually  was  estimated  at  three  hundred  men.  When  about 
eight  miles  out  of  Parral  the  pursuit  was  so  persistent  that  Tompkins  took  the  rear  guard 
of  eight  men  and  made  a  stand  behind  a  stone  wall,  checking  the  pursuit  and  enabling  the 
main  body  to  get  well  clear  of  the  pursuers.  It  was  at  this  place  that  Tompkins  and  Ord 
were  wounded  and  Private  Chas.  Eichenberg,  Troop  M,  was  missing,  and  three  horses 
badly  wounded.  Another  stand  by  the  whole  command  was  made  four  miles  further  on, 
and  again,  with  half  of  Troop  M,  about  one  mile  south  of  Sta  Cruz. 

This  last  stand  appeared  to  be  a  surprise  to  the  enemy  and  it  is  thought  that  ten  or 
more  were  killed.  The  village  of  Sta  Cruz  was  entered  quietly  and  prepared  for  defense. 
The  roofs  of  the  buildings  were  manned  by  riflemen  and  the  enemy  kept  at  1200  yards 
range.  At  7:55  I  arrived  with  Major  Young's  Squadron  and  the  Machine  Gun  Troop, 
Tenth  Cavalry,  and  assumed  command.  The  enemy  was  still  on  the  hill  to  the  south  when 
we  arrived,  as  was  shown  by  the  sounding  of  their  busies  after  ours  had  been  sounded. 

For  exceptional  bravery  in  returning  for  a  wounded  man  (Ledford)  under  a  hot  lire. 
Major  Tompkins  will  recommend  Lieutenant  Ord  for  a  Medal  of  Honor.  This  while  Ord 
himself  was  wounded. 

W.  C.  BROWN. 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  127 

APPENDIX  "J" 

Colonel  W.  C.  Brown,  Tenth  U.  S.  Cavalry. 

Sir :  News  of  the  unprovoked  assault  upon  your  men  in  the  town  of  Parral  has  just 
reached  me  at  Satevo  through  Chihuahua.  Ascertain  if  possible  whether  attack  was 
directed  by  the  local  military  commander  of  the  de  facto  government,  demanding  of  him  a 
disavowal  of  this  base  act.  If  the  attack  was  directed  by  the  local  civil  authorities  demand 
the  immediate  arrest  of  the  responsible  parties. 

I  am  sending  Lieutenant  Colonel  Allen  with  two  troops  to  reinforce  you.  He  should 
reach  you  tomorrow  morning.  Send  word  if  possible  to  the  columns  under  Major  Tompkins 
and  Major  Howze  of  your  situation. 

Unless  a  satisfactory  understanding  has  been  reached  by  the  time  this  message  arrives, 
send  word  to  Major  Tompkins  and  Major  Howze  to  join  you  at  once.  Place  your  command 
in  a  position  of  security  and  assume  the  defensive  only  so  far  as  it  is  necessary  to  insure 
your  safety. 

The  supply  question  may  now  become  a  serious  one  and  you  will  be  expected  to  meet 
your  needs  from  the  country  round  about. 

Supplies  will  l)e  sent  you  as  soon  as  possible.  Confer  fully  and  confidentially  with 
Captain  Reed,  who  commands  the  escort  bearing  this  message. 

PERSHING. 
Official : 

J.  A.  RYAN, 

Major,  Thirteenth  Cavalry  I.  O.,  Acting  Chief  of  Staff. 


APPENDIX  "K" 

The  following  letter  from  the  citizens  of  Winooski,  Vermont,  serves  to  tell  of  the  respect 
gained  by  the  regiment  during  its  tour  of  duty  at  Fort  Ethan  Allen,  Vermont : 

Winooski,  Vt.,  June  29,  1916. 
To  General  Funston,  Commanding  U.  S.  Army  in  Mexico  : 

As  neighbors  of  Fort  Ethan  Allen,  we,  citizens  of  Winooski,  Vermont,  have  a  peculiar 
and  personal  interest  in  the  welfare  of  the  officers  and  men  of  the  Tenth  Regiment  of  U.  S. 
Cavalry,  who  were  stationed  at  this  post  for  four  years. 

It  was,  therefore,  with  the  deepest  emotion  that  we  read  the  dispatches  telling  of  the 
treacherous  ambush  and  attack  on  two  troops  of  this  gallant  regiment  by  the  Mexicans  of 
Carranza's  army  at  Carri/:al  in  northern  Mexico,  in  which  Captain  Boyd  and  Lieutenant 
Adair  and  a  large  number  of  their  men  were  slain  and  Captain  Morey  desperately  wounded 
and  twenty  or  more  men  taken  prisoners. 

The  valor  displayed  by  officers  and  men  in  the  face  of  almost  certain  death  is  in  keeping 
with  American  traditions  and  unsurpassed  in  the  annals  of  heroic  deeds  of  all  ages. 

At  a  mass  meeting  of  the  citizens  of  Winooski,  Vermont,  held  June  27th,  1916,  and 
called  to  give  recognition  and  support  to  the  men  who  have  responded  to  the  call  of  the 
President,  especially  Company  G  of  the  Vermont  National  Guard,  whose  headquarters  are 
at  Winooski,  and  who  left  for  the  frontier  on  that  day,  speeches  were  made  referring 
feelingly  to  these  gallant  officers  and  men  of  the  Tenth  U.  S.  Cavalry  who  so  heroically 
met  the  treacherous  attack  of  the  Mexicans  and  shed  the  first  American  blood  in  the 
impending  war  between  this  country  and  the  recognized  government  of  Mexico. 

A  committee  of  seven  were  appointed  to  convey  to  the  regiment  through  General 
Funslon  the  deep  and  poignant  grief  of  our  citizens  at  the  loss  of  these  brave  defenders, 
our  pride  because  of  their  unsurpassed  heroism  and  our  appreciation  of  their  undaunted 
courage  and  unexcelled  patriotism  displayed  in  such  glorious  deeds. 

Therefore,  through  you  to  the  commander  of  the  Tenth  U.  S.  Cavalry  we  express  the 
sympathy,  gratitude  and  appreciation  of  all  of  the  citizens  of  this  community  because  of 
these  achievements  of  men  who  were  our  neighbors  and  friends  and  who  met  this  supreme 
test  and  sacrifice  in  a  manner  to  thrill  and  inspire  every  true  American. 

CHARLES  S.  LORD,  Chairman.  C.  C.  KELLOGG,  C.  Vt.  Ry. 

JAMES  TIMMONS,  Pres.  Village.  REV.  R.  H.  WASHBURNE. 

H.  A.  BAILEY,  Ex-Pres.  Village.  HENRY  COULIN,  Judge. 

JOHN  BEN  GARY. 


128  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

APPENDIX  "L" 

ROSTER  OK  REGIMENTAL   OFFICERS,   START  OF   PUNITIVE   EXPEDITION 

Field  and  Staff: 

Colonel  W.  C.  Brown,  Commanding. 
Major  E.  W.  Evans,  First  Squadron. 
Major  Charles  Young,  Second  Squadron. 
Captain  W.  H.  McCornick,  Regimental  Quartermaster. 
1st  Lieut.  H.  R.  Adair,  Acting  Adjutant. 
Captain  John  R.  Barber,  M.  C.,  Surgeon. 
Captain  C.  C.  Demmer,  M.  C.,  Asst.  Surgeon. 
Veterinarian  C.  D.  McMurdo. 
Non-Commissioned  Staff : 

Regimental  Quartermaster  Sergeant  Hugh  C.  Scott. 
Squadron  Sergeant  Major  James  F.  Booker. 
Squadron  Sergeant  Major  William  F.  Scott. 
Sergeant  James  T.  Penney,  Troop  C,  Acting  Color  Sergeant. 
Corporal  Will  Green,  Troop  C,  Acting  Color  Sergeant. 
Troop  A — 1st  Lieutenant  Emmet  Addis,  Commanding  Troop. 
2nd  Lieutenant  Eustis  L.  Huhbard. 
1st  Sergeant  Walter  R.  Sanders. 

Troop  B — Captain  William  C.  Gardenhire,  Commanding  Troop. 
2nd  Lieutenant  Norman  J.  Boots. 
1st  Sergeant  Samuel  H.  Alexander. 

Troop  C — Captain  George  B.  Pritchard,  Commanding  Troop. 
2nd  Lieutenant  Benjamin  F.  Hoge. 
1st  Sergeant  William  Winrow. 

Troop  D — Captain  Alfred  E.  Kennington,  Commanding  Troop. 
1st  Lieutenant  Reynold  F.  Migdalski. 
2nd  Lieutenant  Andrew  L.  Walton. 
1st  Sergeant  Reuben  Horner. 

Troop  E — 1st  Lieutenant  Selwyn  D.  Smith,  Commanding  Troop. 
2nd  Lieutenant  Henry  Abbey,  Jr. 
1st  Sergeant  (Acting)   Buck  Lane. 

Troop  F — Captain  Wm.  S.  Valentine,  Commanding  Troop. 
2nd  Lieutenant  John  Kennard. 
1st  Sergeant  James  Allen. 

Troop  G — Captain  George  B.  Rodney,  Commanding  Troop. 
2nd  Lieutenant  Thome  Deuel,  Jr. 
1st  Sergeant  Andrew  J.  Hale. 

Troop  H — Captain  Charles  T.  Boyd,  Commanding  Troop. 
1st  Lieutenant  Orlando  C.  Troxel. 
2nd  Lieutenant  Joseph  F.  Richmond. 
1st  Sergeant  Clifford  A.  Sandridge. 

Troop    I — Captain  William  L.  Luhn,  Commanding  Troop. 
2nd  Lieutenant  Ray  W.  Barker. 
1st  Sergeant  Charles  Dade. 
Troop  K — 1st  Lieutenant  Albert  B.  Dockery,  Commanding  Troop. 

1st  Sergeant  Allan  Peterson. 
M.  G.  Troop — Captain  Albert  E.  Phillips,  Commanding  Troop. 

1st  Sergeant  John  H.  Pappy. 

Pursuant  to  telegraphic  instructions  from  Commanding  General,  Punitive  Expedition, 
March  14,  1916,  Troop  M,  entrained  at  Nogales,  Arizona,  and  proceeded  by  rail  to  Columbus. 
N.  M.,  arriving  March  16,  1916,  and  entered  Mexico  same  date. 

Troop  M — 1st  Lieutenant  Henrv  A.  Mever,  Commanding  Troop. 
2nd  Lieutenant  William  B.  Peebles. 
1st  Sergeant  Alonzo  J.  Day. 
Pursuant    to    telegraphic    instructions    from    Department    Commander    April    19.    1916, 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  129 

Troop  L  left  Fort  Apache,  Arizona,  April  21,  1916,  and  reported  to  Commanding  General, 
Punitive  Expedition,  at  Columbus,  N.  M.,  April  24,  1916.     Entered  Mexico  April  28,  1916. 
Troop  L — Captain  Oliver  P.  M.  Hazzard,  Commanding  Troop. 

1st  Lieutenant  Robert  Elaine. 

1st  Sergeant  Charles  H.  Key. 


APPENDIX  "M" 

ENLISTED   MEN   OF  THE  TENTH   CAVALRY   COMMISSIONED  AS   OFFICERS   FROM   THE  DES    MOINES 
TRAINING  CAMP,  OCTOBER   15,   1917. 

Sergeant  Miles  M.  Green,  M.  G.  Troop,  10th  Cavalry Captain 

Sergeant  William  Gillum,  M.  G.  Troop,  10th  Cavalry Captain 

1st  Sgt.  James  Cranson,  Troop  E,  10th  Cavalry Captain 

Reg.  Q.  M.  Sgt.  William  W.  Thompson,  10th  Cavalry : Captain 

1st  Sgt.  Walter  R.  Sanders,  Troop  A,  10th  Cavalry...." Captain 

1st  Sgt.  Henry  Houston,  Troop  K,  10th  Cavalry Captain 

1st  Sgt.  William  D.  Peeks,  Troop  D.  10th  Cavalry Captain 

Sergeant  Howard  D.  Queen,  Troop  K,  10th  Cavalry Captain 

Sergeant  Edgar  O.  Malone,  Troop  F,  10th  Cavalry Captain 

Q.  M.  Sgt.  Fletcher  Sewell,  Troop  A,  10th  Cavalry Captain 

Sergeant  Vance  H.  Marchbanks,  Troop  C,  10th  Cavalry Captain 

1st  Sgt.  Clifford  A.  Sandridge,  Troop  H,  10th  Cavalry Captain 

Sergeant  Reuben  Homer,  Hq.  Troop,  10th  Cavalry Captain 

1st  Sgt.  Daniel  Smith,  Troop  C,  10th  Cavalry Captain 

Sq.  Sgt.  Major  James  F.  Booker,  10th  Cavalry Captain 

Sq.  Sgt.  Major  William  F.  Scott.  10th  Cavalry Captain 

Sergeant  Hanson  Johnson,  Supplv  Troop,  10th  Cavalry Captain 

Sergeant  George  C.  Hall,  Troop  L,  10th  Cavalry Captain 

Sq.  Set.  Major  Edward  W.  Spearman,  10th  Cavalry Captain 

Reg.  Q.  M.  Sgt.  William  H.  Williams,  10th  Cavalry Captain 

Sergeant  Robert  T.  Shobe,  Troop  C,  10th  Cavalry 1st  Lieutenant 

Sergeant  James  E.  Beard,  M.  G.  Troop,  10th  Cavalry 1st  Lieutenant 

Sergeant  John   Combs,   Troop   L,   10th   Cavalry 1st  Lieutenant 

Sergeant  Richard  M.  Norris,  Troop  A,  10th  Cavalry 1st  Lieutenant 

Sergeant  William  T.  Johnson,  Troop  A,  10th   Cavalry 1st  Lieutenant 

Sergeant  John  Q.   Lindsey,  Hq.   Troop,  10th   Cavalry 1st  Lieutenant 

Sergeant  John    P.   Walker,   Troop  E.   10th   Cavalry 1st  Lieutenant 

Sergeant  Floyd   Gilmer,  Troop  A,   10th   Cavalry 1st  Lieutenant 

Corporal  Waddell  C.  Steele,  Troop  E.  10th  Cavalry 1st  Lieutenant 

Sergeant   Carey   McLane,   Troop    L.    10th    Cavalry 1st  Lieutenant 

Sergeant  Walter  Lyons,  Troop  C,  10th  Cavalry 1st  Lieutenant 

Corporal  William  H.  Brown,  Jr.,  Troop  D,  10th  Cayalry 1st  Lieutenant 

Sergeant  Hazel  L.  Raine,  Troop  F,  10th  Cavalry 1st  Lieutenant 

Sergeant  Rosen  T.  Brown,  Troop  D,   10th  Cavalry 1st  Lieutenant 

Sergeant  Russell    Smith,   Troop   B,    10th   Cavalry '. 1st  Lieutenant 

Sergeant  Frank  M.  Goodner,  Troop  M,  10th  Cavalry 1st  Lieutenant 

Sergeant  Cleveland  Morrow,  Troop  B,  10th  Cavalry 1st  Lieutenant 

Sergeant  Gus    Williams,   Troop   D,    10th    Cavalry 1st  Lieutenant 

Sergeant  Vest  Douglas,  M.  G.  Troop,  10th   Cavalry 1st  Lieutenant 

Sergeant  Almando  Henderson,  Troop  K,   10th   Cavalry 1st  Lieutenant 

Sergeant  George  E.  Edwards,  Troop  H,  10th  Cavalry 1st  Lieutenant 

Sergeant  William  A.  Stith,  Troop  M,  10th  Cavalry 1st  Lieutenant 

Corporal  William  T.  Burns,  Troop  D;  10th  Cavalry 1st  Lieutenant 

Sergeant  Stephen   B.    Barrow,   Troop   B,   10th   Cavalry 2nd  Lieutenant 

Sergeant  Clyde   Roberts.   Troop   G.    10th    Cavalrv 2nd  Lieutenant 

Sergeant  Benjamin  Bettis,  Troop  A,  10th  Cavalry 2nd  Lieutenant 

Sergeant  William  Collier,  Troop  B,  10th  Cavalry 2nd  Lieutenant 

Sergeant  Edgar  F.  Malone,  Troop  F,  10th  Cavalry 2nd  Lieutenant 


130 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 


Out  of  a  total  of  fifty-seven  non-commissioned  officers  sent  to  the  training  camp,  forty- 
eight  obtained  commissions. 

COMMISSIONED   FROM    TRAINING    CAMP    AT    LEON    SPRINGS,   TEXAS. 

Reg.  Sgt.  Major  Eugene  P.  Frierson,   10th   Cavalry 2nd  Lieutenant 

Sq.   Sgt.   Major  John   Coleman,   10th   Cavalry 2nd  Lieutenant 

COMMISSIONED   AS  2ND   LIEUTENANTS    OF  CAVALRY,    SEPTEMBER   27,    1918. 

Sergeant  William  H.  Marshall,  Troop   D,   10th   Cavalry 2nd  Lieutenant 

Sergeant  John  C.  Sanders,  Troop  D,  10th  Cavalry 2nd  Lieutenant 

Sergeant  Arthur  Chambliss,  Troop  E,  10th  Cavalry 2nd  Lieutenant 

Corporal  James  Everett,  Troop  E,  10th   Cavalry 2nd  Lieutenant 

Corporal  General  Lee  Grant,  Troop  H,  10th  Cavalry 2nd  Lieutenant 

Sergeant  Howard  W.  Fields,  Troop  L,  10th  Cavalry 2nd  Lieutenant 

Sergeant  Livingston  J.  Williams,  Troop  L,  10th  Cavalry 2nd  Lieutenant 

Band  Corporal  John  Clarke,  Hq.  Troop,  10th  Cavalry 2nd  Lieutenant 

Sq.  Sgt.  Major  Benjamin  F.  Preston,  10th  Cavalry 2nd  Lieutenant 

Sergeant  John  A.  Ford,  Machine  Gun  Troop,  10th  Cavalry 2nd  Lieutenant 

Sergeant  Henry  Clay  Bennett,  Supply  Troop,  10th  Cavalry 2nd  Lieutenant 

Band  Leader  William  H.   Lewis,   10th   Cavalry 2nd  Lieutenant 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  131 


HEADQUARTERS  TENTH  CAVALRY, 

Colonia  Dublan,  Mexico,  July  1,  1916. 
GENERAL  ORDERS 
No.l 

It  becomes  the  sad  duty  of  the  Regimental  Commander  to 
announce  the  death  in  action  with  troops  of  the  De  Facto  Gov- 
ernment of  Mexico  at  Carrizal,  Chihuahua,  Mexico,  June  21, 
1916,  of 

CAPTAIN  CHARLES  T.  BOYD  and 

FIRST  LIEUTENANT  HENRY  R.  ADAIR 

Tenth  Cavalry 

Capt.  Boyd  was  born  in  Iowa  October  29,  1970. 

Was  appointed  to  the  Military  Academy  June  15,  1892,  and 
graduated  June  12,  1896.  Was  assigned  to  the  7th  Cavalry  same 
date  as  an  additional  2d  Lieutenant  and  on  Januarv  14,  1897,  to 
the  4th  Cavalry  as  a  2d  Lieutenant.  Was  promoted  to  1st  Lieu- 
tenant on  February  2cl,  1901,  and  assigned  to  the  7th  Cavalry. 
Transferred  to  the  4th  Cavalry,  May  2d,  1901.  Promoted  Capt. 
January  16,  1903,  and  assigned  to  the  10th  Cavalry. 

While  a  2d  Lieut,  he  was  appointed  Major  37th  U.  S.  Infantry, 
and  served  as  such  from  July  12,  1899,  to  Feb.  20,  1901. 

He  served  with  the  4th  Cavalry  and  the  37th  U.  S.  Infantry 
during  the  Philippine  Insurrection. 

Was  Regimental  Adjutant  for  four  years. 

Was  a  distinguished  graduate  of  the  School  of  the  Line,  1912. 
and  of  the  Army  Staff  College  in  1916. 

Lieut.  Adair  was  born  in  Oregon  April  13th,  1882. 

Was  appointed  to  the  Military  Academy  August  1,  1900,  grad- 
uated and  assigned  to  the  10th  Cavalry  June  15,  1904. 

Was  promoted  1st  Lieut,  and  reassigned  to  same  regiment 
June  26,  1911. 

Was  a  graduate  of  the  Mounted  Service  School,  first  year's 
course,  1912,  and  second  year's  course,  1915. 

During  his  service,  all  of  which  has  been  with  the  regiment, 
he  has  been  Squadron  Q.  M.  and  Commissary,  Squadron  Adjutant 
and  Acting  Regtl.  Adjutant  at  different  time. 

These  officers  met  their  death  like  the  soldiers  they  were, 
leading  their  troopers  under  a  heavy  fire  from  a  superior  force. 
Capt.  Boyd,  although  wounded  twice,  continued  to  lead  the  ad- 
vance until  he  was  felled  by  another  bullet. 

Lieut.  Adair  took  command  after  Capt.  Boyd's  death  and  con- 
tinued to  direct  the  fire  until  he,  too,  was  killed.  They  gallantly- 
upheld  the  traditions  of  the  10th  Cavalry. 

The  intrepid  bravery  and  utter  disregard  of  personal  injury 
are  characteristic  of  the  military  spirit  and  sense  of  duty  of  the 
two  officers  and  afford  an  example  worthy  of  emulation  of  every 
officer  and  man  of  the  regiment. 

The  Regimental  Commander  voices  the  sentiment  of  the  regi- 
ment in  extending  to  the  families  and  relatives  of  the  deceased 
officers  his  heartfelt  sympathy. 

By  order  of  Major" Evans  :          S.  McP.  RUTHERFORD, 

Capt.  and  Adjt,  10th  Cavalry. 
Official:     S.  McP.  RUTHERFORD, 

Capt.,  and  Adjt.,  10th  Cavalry. 


132  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

APPENDIX  "O" 

Fort  Sheridan,  Illinois,  December  28,  1920. 

Dear  Colonel  Winans : 

Your  letter  of  the  twenty-third  received,  in  which  you  ask  me  to  write  something  of  my 
service  at  Huachuca. 

When  I  reported  for  duty  on  July  4th,  1885,  the  post  was  garrisoned  by  four  troops 
of  the  Fourth  Cavalry  and  one  company  of  the  First  Infantry  Brevet  Brigadier  General 
George  A.  Forsythe,  a  former  aide  to  General  Sheridan,  an  officer  of  distinguished  record 
during  the  Civil  War  and  in  the  Indian  campaigns,  was  in  command.  A  month  or  so  later 
Colonel  William  B.  Royall,  Colonel  of  the  Fourth  Cavalry,  also  a  veteran  of  the  Civil  War 
and  of  the  Mexican  War,  arrived  and  assumed  command. 

The  four  troops  of  cavalry  were  commanded  by  Wirt  Davis,  A.  E.  Wood,  Henry  W. 
Lawton  and  C.  A.  P.  Hatfield.  The  infantry  was  commanded  by  Captain  William  N. 
Tisdall.  They  were  a  rugged,  sturdy  lot.  All  of  them  had  had  Civil  War  experience  and 
long  experience  in  the  Indian  campaigns  in  different  parts  of  the  western  country. 

General  George  Crook  was  in  command  of  the  department.  We  were  in  the  midst  of 
the  Apache  campaign,  known  as  the  Geronimo  campaign,  and  were  engaged  in  that  phase 
of  it  which  was  commonly  spoken  of  as  the  "Water-hole  Campaign."  The  troops  were 
stretched  all  along  the  frontier  from  the  Whetstone  Mountains  east  well  into  Mexico, 
guarding  water-holes  and  passes.  Communication  was  principally  by  telegraph  or  courier, 
with  a  certain  number  of  heliograph  stations. 

The  post  was  new  and  consisted  of  the  old  row  of  officers'  quarters,  which  ran  down 
to  about  the  tip  of  the  canyon  on  the  east  side.  Opposite  were  the  old  cavalry  barracks 
and  stables.  Enclosing  the  parade  below  was  the  post  hospital,  with  its  outbuildings.  The 
trees  were  only  a  few  feet  high.  The  water  all  came  from  the  springs  up  to  the  post  canyon. 
We  had  plenty  of  it  in  rainy  weather ;  often  times  it  was  short  during  the  summer.  There 
was  a  snug  little  hotel  just  across  the  creek  up  near  where  Sam  the  Chinaman  (who  was 
there  at  that  time)  now  has  his  laundry. 

The  Tenth  and  the  Fourth  were  in  close  cooperation  during  this  campaign.  The  troops 
of  the  Tenth,  under  Lebo,  Bill  Davis,  Carter  Johnson,  Ward,  Grierson  and  others,  were  hold- 
ing stations  at  Mescal  Sorings  in  the  Whetstones ;  at  Calabasas,  under  the  Santa  Ritas ;  at 
Crhtenden ;  at  Tempest  Mine,  just  over  the  line  in  Sonora,  and  at  La  Noria.  The  Fourth 
had  stations  on  the  south  side  of  the  Huachucas,  at  Bisbee,  at  Skeleton  Canyon  and  to  the 
east,  with  a  few  troops  at  Camp  Bowie. 

The  infantry  was  generally  held  in  garrison,  to  take  care  of  the  post,  although  when 
the  hard  drive  after  Geronimo  came  in  '86  about  the  hardest  work  of  the  whole  campaign 
was  done  by  organizations  made  up  of  selected  officers  and  men  from  the  Eighth  Infantry. 

Transportation  was  pack.  The  mounts  in  those  days  were  better  than  any  we  have 
had  since ;  and  there  was  a  knowledge  of  how  to  handle  horses  on  the  march  which  is 
lacking  in  our  cavalry  service,  as  a  whole,  today.  Most  of  the  officers  then  had  seen  service 
in  the  Civil  War.  They  knew  how  to  get  mounted  commands  over  great  stretches  of 
country,  and  to  bring  in  their  animals  in  good  condition. 

The  country  was  full  of  alarms  and  troops  were  scurrying  hither  and  thither  in  an  at- 
tempt to  pick  up  the  trail  of  smalt  raiding  groups  of  Apaches.  It  was  a  hard-working, 
wholesome  and  interesting  life.  There  was  an  excellent  regimental  esprit  and  pride  in  the 
scivice.  It  was  the  beginning  of  the  end  of  our  hard  Indian  work  in  the  southwest.  In 
those  strenuous  days  the  Tenth  Cavalry  played  a  fine  part,  a  part  highly  creditable  to 
officers  and  men. 

The  Tenth  was  in  my  brigade  (the  first  dismounted  cavalry  brigade)  at  Santiago;  it 
was  made  up  of  the  First  and  Tenth  Regulars  and  the  First  Volunteer  Cavalry,  commonly 
known  as  the  Rough  Riders.  This  brigade  constituted  the  American  force  at  the  fight  at 
Las  Guasimas.  Additional  cavalry  and  infantry  came  up  just  after  we  had  dislodged  the 
Spanish.  At  the  big  fight,  which  was  a  big  one,  as  it  was  the  determining  battle  of  the 
campaign,  on  July  1st  at  San  Juan  Ridge,  just  outside  the  city  of  Santiago,  the  brigade 
made  an  excellent  record,  it  and  the  Second  Cavalry  Brigade  carrying  and  holding  a  long 
section  of  the  enemy's  lines.  In  both  actions  the  work  of  the  Tenth  Cavalry  was  excellent. 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 


133 


The  relations  between  the  Tenth  Cavalry  and  the  Fourth  were  excellent  and  were  char- 
acterized by  a  friendly  rivalry.  The  permanent  station  of  most  of  the  Tenth  at  that  time 
was  Camp  Grant,  with  a  troop  or  two  at  Camp  Thomas.  Transportation  was  via  the  old 
Guaymas  railroad,  and  everything  came  up  from  what  was  known  as  The  Siding.  The 
present  railroad  was  not  built  into  the  post  until  about  1911  or  '12,  and  the  Post  Gardens 
were  principally  in  Garden  Canyon,  from  which  most  of  the  water  now  comes.  The 
reservation  had  approximately  its  present  limits. 

The  service  at  Huachuca  and  in  the  field  in  the  old  days  was  a  good  school  for  officers 
and  men.  It  was  a  healthy,  vigorous  life.  I  feel  sure  the  Tenth  Cavalry  has  in  it  today 
men  who  were  in  it  in  the  eighties,  and  that  you  will  find  Huachuca  a  pleasant  post  to  serve 
at,  with  excellent  opportunities  for  training. 

The  Tenth  is  a  fine  regiment  and  I  congratulate  you  on  being  in  command  of  it. 

Very  sincerely  yours, 
(Signed)   LEONARD  WOOD. 


"THROUGH  THE  CHAPARRAL  AND  SAND' 


134  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

APPENDIX  "P" 

General  Pershing  contributed  this  valuable  letter  for  a  special  number  of  the  regi- 
mental weekly,  the  "Buffalo  Bulletin :'' 

GENERAL  OF  THE  ARMIES,  WASHINGTON 

January  8,  1921. 
Colonel  Edwin  B.  Winans, 

Commanding  Tenth  U.  S.  Cavalry, 
Fort  Huachuca,  Arizona. 

My  Dear  Colonel  Winans : 

1  am  glad  and  honored  to  contribute  something  for  a  special  number  of  the  Tenth 
Cavalry  Bulletin.  Many  years  have  passed — twenty-two,  to  be  exact — since  my  last  service 
in  the  Tenth,  but  my  mind  is  filled  with  recollections  of  those  days  in  the  Old  Army,  days 
of  as  much  excitement  as  in  the  new,  and  possibly  more  variety. 

The  regiment  was  at  Fort  Assiniboine  in  October,  1895,  when  I  first  joined  and  reported 
for  duty  with  D  Troop.  The  Pine  Ridge  campaign  a  few  years  before  had  closed  the  era 
of  Indian  warfare  on  the  plains,  and  the  scattered  units  of  the  little  Regular  Army  awaited 
in  their  frontier  posts  of  their  late  campaign,  the  next  phase  of  our  national  development, 
which  was  to  carry  them  overseas  to  battle  with  a  European  power. 

Meanwhile,  in  the  summer  of  1896,  several  troops  of  the  regiment  were  sent  to  round 
up  a  number  of  bands  of  Cree  Indians  who  had  crossed  the  international  boundary  follow- 
ing the  suppression  of  their  rebellion  in  Canada.  Troop  D,  under  my  command,  took  a 
leading  part  in  this  task,  doing  some  hard  riding  to  overtake  or  surprise  bands  located  in 
Montana  and  Idaho,  sending  some  by  rail  to  Canada,  and  finally  escorting  a  band  of  some 
six  hundred  across  the  border. 

My  troop  required  little  of  its  officers.  The  ranks  were  filled  with  veterans  and  the 
power  and  prestige  of  the  old  top  sergeant  was  sufficient  to  maintain  rigid  discipline  and 
manage  the  minor  details  of  administration.  Almost  perfect  at  drill,  most  of  our  interest 
centered  in  keen  competition  on  the  rifle  range  and  in  hunting. 

I  recall  a  visit  of  General  Nelson  A.  Miles,  then  Commander  of  the  Army,  which  was 
largely  spent  in  hunting  the  game  which  abounded  in  the  vicinity  of  the  post.  As  a  result 
of  this  visit  I  was  soon  afterwards  relieved  from  duty  with  the  regiment  and  assigned  to 
his  office  in  Washington. 

The  concentration  of  troops  for  the  Spanish-American  War  in  1898  carried  the  Tenth 
to  Chickamauga,  where  1  joined  as  Regimental  Quartermaster,  and  thence  to  Tampa. 
Landing  at  Siboney  on  June  23rcl,  we  were  almost  immediately  involved  in  the  preliminary 
skirmish  of  the  war,  in  company  with  the  Rough  Riders.  The  following  days  were  stren- 
uous and  exciting,  culminating  in  the  charge  up  San  Juan  Hill.  Here  I  rejoined  my  old 
troop,  D,  which  had  covered  itself  with  glory  in  the  heaviest  of  the  fighting. 

The  Battle  of  Santiago  was  a  small  affair,  a  mere  skirmish  in  comparison  with  out 
recent  experiences,  but  it  tried  the  valor  and  endurance  of  the  strongest  men,  and  our 
casualties  were  very  heavy.  The  splendid  discipline  of  the  Regular  Army  made  possible 
the  success  gained  despite  inconceivable  confusion,  lack  of  preparation  and  material,  and 
the  old  veterans  of  the  Tenth  became  famous  throughout  the  country  for  their  fine  per- 
formance on  that  battlefield. 

This  terminated  my  association  with  the  regiment,  but  I  have  never  forgotten  the 
valuable  lessons  learned  at  the  time,  and  I  shall  always  look  back  with  affection  and 
pleasure  to  my  days  in  the  Tenth  Cavalry. 

To  you  and  your  officers  and  men  I  send  my  warmest  regards  and  best  wishes  for  the 
New  Year. 

Very  sincerely  yours, 

JOHN  J.  PERSHING. 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  135 

THE  TENTH  CAVALRY  IN  MEXICO 

From  U.  S.  Cavalry  Journal  of  October,  1917. 

BY  CAPTAIN  O.  C.  TROXEL,  TENTH  CAVALRY. 

There  have  appeared  in  the  Service  Journals  at  various  times,  articles  dealing  with 
special  phases  of  our  experiences  in  Mexico,  covering  some  action  in  which  a  particular 
troop  or  troops  were  engaged,  equipment  of  troops,  sanitation,  or  what  not,  but  I  have 
seen  none  that  dealt  in  any  way  with  the  work  of  cavalry  along  its  broader  lines — that  of 
pushing  well  out  to  the  front,  separating  itself  from  its  friendly  troops,  continuing  its  work 
while  relying  absolutely  on  the  country  for  its  sustenance,  and  operating  in  name  and  in 
fact  as  Independent  Cavalry.  Whatever  phases  of  cavalry  work  our  cavalry  in  Mexico  did 
not  get,  certainly  none  will  deny  that  we  did  get  the  part  mentioned  above.  In  this  article, 
however,  I  purpose  limiting  myself  to  the  one  phase  of  how  we  "lived  on  the  country,"  and 
certainly  no  cavalryman  who  served  in  Mexico  is  more  justified  in  saying  that  he  did  ALL 
the  things  mentioned  above  than  the  members  of  the  Tenth  Cavalry  who  composed  the 
expedition  to  near  Parral  under  Colonel  W.  C.  Brown,  then  in  command  of  the  regiment. 

I  speak  of  the  Second  Squadron  and  Machine  Gun  Troop,  Tenth  Cavalry,  which  served 
in  Mexico  from  March  20th  to  April  22nd  without  one  mouthful  of  Government  rations, 
one  grain  or  spear  of  Government  forage,  one  cent  of  Government  money,  no  Government 
clothing,  nor  aid  of  any  kind;  and  when  on  May  1st,  1916,  it  arrived  back  at  San  Antonio, 
Mexico,  from  the  south,  it  was  truly  a  case  of  survival  of  the  fittest,  for  there  had  been  no 
picking  of  officers,  men  or  horses  for  any  part  of  the  expedition. 

We  had,  from  6  p.  m.  March  9th  to  about  7 :45  p.  m.  April  12th,  passed  over  750  miles 
of  road  space  from  Fort  Huachuca,  Arizona,  to  Santa  Cruz  de  Villegas,  near  Parral,  in 
twenty-eight  marching  days.  This  of  course  does  not  measure  the  extra  work  done  by 
those  men  and  horses  on  advance,  rear  and  flank  guards,  patrols,  foraging  parties,  etc. 
They  were  what  remained  of  the  same  troops  that  had  left  Fort  Huachuca  on  March  9th 
w  ith  wagon  and  pack  trains.  There  had,  however,  been  certain  changes  in  personnel  over 
which  we  had  no  control.  Our  wagons  were  left  at  Culberson's  ranch,  the  sick  men  and 
horses  were  left  at  Colonia  Dublan,  our  pack  train  was,  on  April  5th,  ordered  back  to 
Namiquipa  to  procure  supplies  for  us,  and  we  continued  south,  retaining  one  mule  per 
troop.  Our  sick  men  and  sick  animals  at  that  time  were  sent  north  with  the  pack  train. 
There  were  no  further  changes  in  personnel,  except  for  the  occasional  buying  of  a  horse 
or  mule  to  keep  the  command  mounted. 

Our  march  overland  to  Culberson's  ranch  was  in  no  sense  severe,  but  the  weather  was 
hot ;  only  now  and  then  did  we  have  hay,  watering  facilities  were  always  poor,  the  supply 
insufficient,  and  frequently  none  except  at  our  nightly  camps,  and  the  country  was  sandy 
and  devoid  of  grazing.  We  thus  marched  160  miles  before  we  entered  Mexico.  We  lost 
several  horses  from  sand  colic  and  all  horses  had  begun  to  feel  the  effects  of  the  march. 

At  this  place  we  were  joined  by  the  Seventh  Cavalry,  and  Battery  B,  Fifth  Field 
Artillery,  and  with  packed  saddles  for  officers  and  men,  five  days'  rations  and  three  pack 
trains,  made  the  march  to  Colonia  Dublan,  a  distance  of  something  over  100  miles,  from 
shortly  after  midnight  of  March  15-16  to  the  evening  of  the  17th.  On  the  evening  of  the 
18th  the  Tenth  Cavalry  received  orders  to  turn  over  to  the  Seventh  Cavalry  all  of  its 
remaining  rations,  and  the  Seventh  left  camp  at  3  a.  m.  At  about  6  a.  m.  March  19th  we 
received  orders  to  receive  rations  in  the  hands  of  Battery  B  and  entrain  for  the  south. 
This  battery  had  already  eaten  half  of  their  five  days'  rations  for  three  and  two-thirds  days. 
As  there  were  not  enough  freight  cars  for  Troops  I  and  K,  only  Regimental  Headquarters, 
First  and  Second  Squadrons,  Machine  Gun  Troop  and  the  Pack  Train  were  entrained. 
Troops  L  and  M  had  not  joined. 

Our  troubles  in  patching  and  nailing  up  the  cars,  getting  material  for  camps,  collecting 
wood  for  the  wood-burning  engine  and  getting  started  late  in  the  afternoon  with  the 
animals  inside  the  freight  cars  and  the  officers  and  men  on  top  in  truly  Mexican  style, 
were  exceeded,  if  possible,  only  by  the  troubles  in  keeping  the  engine  going  by  having  the 
men  get  off  and  chop  mesquite  to  burn  in  it,  only  to  find  that  the  wood  must  be  used  to 
send  the  engine  some  place  for  water,  and  so  on  ad  infinitum. 


136  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

As  a  result,  all  but  the  First  Squadron  detrained  at  about  11  a.  m.  M-.nch  20th  at  El 
Rucio,  about  twenty-seven  miles  out  of  Dublan.  For  this  noon  meal  we  ate  the  last  of  our 
Government  rations,  except  perhaps  some  flour,  and  our  pack  train  carried  only  oats. 
From  this  day  on  we  were  to  be  "on  the  country."  Each  officer  had  a  snr.li  amount  of 
money.  Personally  1  had  something  less  than  $10,  but  I  had  fortilied  myself  with  a  check 
book  which  was  to  prove  of  no  use  to  me  as  we  were  to  strike  only  one  place  (Cusi) 
where  money  could  be  obtained  for  checks.  At  first  we  had  not  much  trouble  in  getting 
supplies  in  exchange  lor  receipts  given  by  the  quartermaster,  but  as  we  went  further  south 
the  natives  became  poorer  and  more  reluctant  to  part  with  their  supplies  for  a  possible 
"scrap  of  paper,"  and  one  cannot  blame  them. 

Considering  all  the  varied  circumstances  of  our  being  in  Mexico,  what  should  we  do? 
To  further  embitter  the  Mexican  people  by  taking  away  almost  their  last  food  and  forage 
and  not  replace  it  with  currency  which  they  knew  to  be  good  and  with  which  they  could 
replace  the  stores  taken,  seemed  to  be  the  action  to  be  taken  only  as  a  last  resort.  It  was 
then  that  Colonel  Brown  began  giving  his  personal  checks  for  supplies  taken,  and  continued 
doing  so  until  his  totals  aggregated  something  like  $1,680.00.  We  were  so  entirely  dependent 
on  the  country,  especially  as  we  had  to  depend  each  night  on  the  supplies  where  we  happened 
to  be,  since  we  had  no  pack  train,  that  I  do  not  believe  we  could  have  continued  south  as 
we  did  had  it  not  been  for  this  assistance. 

As  to  rations  and  cooking  after  leaving  Colonia  Dublan :  We  entered  Mexico  with  no 
other  cooking  utensils  than  three  camp  kettles  per  squadron,  and,  with  five  troops  (we 
separated  from  the  First  Squadron  on  the  morning  of  April  1st)  this  gave  each  troop  a 
kettle  three  days  out  of  five.  This  was  run  by  roster  among  the  mess  sergeants.  Later, 
as  we  were  able  to  find  them,  kerosene  oil  cans  were  purchased  at  $1.00  apiece,  which 
helped  materially. 

The  only  articles  of  food  that  we  could  get  regularly  were  beef  and  frijoles — very 
seldom  could  \ve  get  even  a  poor  quality  of  flour  or  corn  meal.  However,  when  we  conld 
get  corn  in  sufficient  quantities  to  justify  us  in  taking  it  from  the  horses.  I  made  a  practice 
of  sending  out  scouts  to  locate  little  hand-mills  about  the  size  of  coffee-mills,  and  had  corn 
ground  up  tor  n'eal.  The  details  often  worked  way  into  the  night,  but  the  great  tendency 
was  to  grind  too  coarsely  and  thus  get  quantity  instead  of  quality,  with  resultant  cramps 
and  diarrhoeal  eftects  among  the  men.  This,  ground,  was  mixed  with  water  and  fried  into 
cakes,  which  the  men  generally  made  too  thick,  and,  therefore,  not  being  well  cooked,  were 
very  indigestible.  We  were  seldom  able  to  get  lard  or  salt,  and  when  we  got  the  latter  it 
was  common  dirty  stock  salt  (rock)  and  little  chunks  of  it  would  appear  in  the  eating. 
Baking  powder  was  impossible  either  on  account  of  its  absence  or  cost.  Sugar  and  coffee 
were  practically  out  of  the  question.  Individuals  could  at  times  obtain  a  small  quantity  of 
burnt  Mexican  coffee,  and  were  glad  to  have  it  even  without  the  sugar.  There  were  a  few 
eggs,  but  they  were  expensive,  and  the  difficult  part  was  in  making  change  for  small  pur- 
chases as  there  seemed  to  be  no  change  in  the  country.  We  were  always  crazy  for  fruits, 
jams  and  sweets  of  any  kind,  and  practically  nothing  of  this  kind  was  to  be  had.  When  on 
the  few  occasions  sugar  was  obtainable,  one  could  always  see  men  eating  it  just  so.  I  never 
allowed  meat  bones  to  be  thrown  away.  After  cutting  off  the  meat  as  best  we  could  with 
pocket  knives  or  mess  knives  for  individual  cooking,  the  bones  would  be  carried  to  the  next 
camp,  and  if  we  were  to  have  the  kettle  that  night  they  would  be  put  on  to  boil,  and  boiled 
all  night  over  the  fire  kept  up  by  the  picket  line  guard.  About  an  hour  before  reveille  the 
cooks  would  be  awakened  and  they  would  add  from  three  to  five  cups  (three  was  sufficient) 
of  ground  corn,  and  then  just  before  serving,  scrape  off  all  meat  from  the  bones,  stir  up 
well  and  serve.  This  breakfast  was  fit  for  a  king,  to  our  minds,  and  was  much  enjoyed 
by  all.  I  have  eaten  nothing  equal  to  it  either  before  or  since  and  I  hope  I  never  have  to, 
out  it  was  good  then. 

We  generally  had  our  beans  (frijoles)  for  breakfast  as  there  was  not  time  in  camp 
to  prepare  them  for  any  other  meal.  Even  then  the  altitude  was  so  high  that  they  could 
not  be  thoroughly  cooked,  and  so  there  were'  more  digestive  troubles.  We  tried  grinding 
up  wheat  for  use  in  making  bread,  but  it  did  not  seem  to  serve  as  well.  Personally  1  am 
very  fond  of  parched  corn  and  nearly  always  started  out  in  the  morning  with  a  pocket  full 
and  would  have  nothing  else  to  eat  till  night.  "Parched  corn  coffee"  also  was  much  better 
than  water. 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  137 

As  to  clothing :  Each  man  started  with  the  authorized  allowance  in  his  pack.  Unfor- 
tunately the  men  had  gotten  so  used  to  going  out  lor  border  duty  and  wearing  their  oldest 
clothes  that  many  did  the  same  thing  this  time.  This  made  conditions  worse  than  they 
should  have  been.  Hoods  of  stirrups  were  used  to  tack  on  as  half-soles  of  shoes,  when 
tacks  were  available.  Breeches  were  patched  so  long  as  patches  would  hold  together,  the 
men  gambling  to  see  whose  shelter  half  was  to  be  cut  up  for  the  purpose.  Occasionally 
the  quartermaster  bought  and  issued  civilian  clothing  of  all  descriptions,  and  for  hats  the 
men  took  the  lining  of  the  saddle  bags,  in  the  cases  where  hats  were  lost  or  completely 
torn  up.  I  got  my  patches  from  the  lining  of  my  overcoat. 

As  to  horses :  Fodder  was  often  unobtainable  and  when  at  hand  was  generally  insufficient 
in  quantity.  There  was  practically  no  grazing  except  the  dry  grass  as  it  lay  dead  on  the 
ground.  The  horses  would  eat  this  for  about  half  an  hour  and  then  stand  with  hanging 
heads  or  lie  down.  No  oats  was  in  the  country,  and  corn  was  generally  insufficient.  Instead 
of  getting  about  twelve  cups  per  day  they  had  often  for  -days  at  a  time  only  three  or  four 
per  horse.  Occasionally  we  had  to  feed  wheat,  which  seemed  to  cause  flatulency,  but  I  do 
not  remember  any  bad  case  of  colic  in  my  troop  due  to  it.  At  one  camp  we  had  only  corn 
ground  on  the  cob,and  mostly  cob,  to  feed.  We  lost  a  number  of  horses  the  following  day 
from  inability  to  keep  up.  At  all  halts  I  had  my  horse  unbridled  and  led  to  the  best  place 
in  the  vicinity  for  grazing.  Every  opportunity  was  taken  to  water  them,  and  often  the 
distances  between  watering  places  were  so  great  that  one  was  hard  put  to  it  to  decide 
whether  to  let  them  drink  the  strong  alkali  water  met  with  or  wait  hoping  for  something 
better.  I,  personally,  saw  to  it  that  at  least  twice  a  week  the  horses  were  held  for  a  time 
in  the  water  for  the  purpose  of  soaking  and  cooling  their  feet.  I  also  found  it  necessary 
to  pick  out  the  places  for  and  supervise  the  grazing,  and  I  do  not  care  to  answer  the 
criticisms  of  officers  whom  I  have  heard  condemn  this  as  being  the  work  of  a  non-com- 
missioned officer.  It  is  shorter  and  more  to  the  point  to  say  that  such  officers  are  simply 
too  lazy  to  do  it. 

As  for  horseshoes,  the  horseshoer  had  his  emergency  equipment  and  each  man  had  one 
fore  and  one  hind  shoe  (fitted).  I  learned  afterwards  what  I  probably  would  not  have 
approved  at  the  time,  and  that  is  that  my  horseshoer  (a  new  man,  too)  had  taken  sixteen 
extra  shoes  in  his  saddle  bags.  These  latter  came  in  handy.  At  each  halt  the  horseshoer 
and  his  assistant,  one  assigned  to  each  platoon,  stood  ready  to  tighten  shoes  as  called  for 
by  the  riders,  whose  first  duty  at  each  halt  was  to  examine  their  horses  shoes  with  that 
object  in  view. 

I  made  each  man  feel  that  I  would  do  my  utmost  to  prevent  his  walking  so  long 
as  his  horse  was  not  laid  up  through  being  barefooted  or  having  a  sore  back,  and  impressed 
it  on  them  that  I  would  do  nothing  for  them  in  such  cases,  if  investigation  showed  them  to 
have  been  neglectful,  and  that  in  any  case  the  individual  whose  horse  became  unservice- 
able from  any  cause  was  out  of  luck.  The  result  was  that  grooming  and  saddling  became 
of  very  great  importance  to  them  and  each  squad  leader  inspected  the  horses  of  his  squad 
and  reported  to  me  that  they  were  or  were  not  in  such  and  such  condition  and  pointed 
the  individual  horses  out  to  me  that  needed  attention.  This  was  in  addition  to  the  inspection 
that  both  the  farrier  and  myself  made.  Also  no  cast-off  horseshoe  was  ever  passed  by  when 
marching  at  a  walk.  That  was  one  thing  for  which  I  always  granted  permission  to  fall 
out,  and  the  only  other  time  when  I  gave  this  permission  was  after  I  had  personally  had  a 
detailed  explanation  of  the  necessity  therefor.  The  men  soon  stopped  asking.  There  was, 
however,  one  article  that  we  could  not  make  up  and  that  was  the  horseshoe  nail,  but, 
thanks  to  the  high,  dry  altitude,  we  were  troubled  little,  if  any,  by  rust,  as  each  man  carried 
them  in  a  greasy  rag. 

On  April  10th  we  were  ordered  to  turn  all  our  horseshoes  into  a  common  pile  for  the 
common  good  of  the  command.  This  was  heartrending  to  the  men  as  well  as  to  myself 
to  give  up  our  hoarding,  but  I  was  proud  to  see  something  like  thirty-five  shoes  turned  in 
by  my  troop  of  forty-three  men.  One  other  troop  turned  in  a  similar  quantity,  and  one 
troop  turned  in  one  shoe.  It  is  easy  to  determine  which  troop  was  the  cause  of  the  order 
and  which  one  got  the  most  shoes  from  the  pile,  but  still  it  was  a  necessary  thing  to  do. 
We  had  no  forge  and  tools  for  fitting  and  shoeing,  but  could  occasionally  get  some  assist- 
ance from  the  very  incomplete  blacksmith  shops  at  ranches.  The  first  real  opportunity  for 
fitting  shoes  and  trimming  the  feet  was  down  near  Parral  when  we  were  able  to  borrow  an 


138  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

outfit  from  the  troops  of  the  Eleventh  Cavalry  that  joined  us  there  under  Colonel  Allen  and 
Major  Howze.  Undoubtedly  a  great  deal  of  the  fatigue  experienced  by  our  horses  was  due 
to  their  long  hoof  walls,  none  of  which  had  been  trimmed  nor  to  which  had  shoes  been 
properly  fitted  at  least  since  March  15th — one  month  before.  We  had  the  old  model  equip- 
ment and  depended  on  lariats  entirely  for  the  picket  line.  Broken  lariats  were  never  thrown 
away  but  tied  together  many  times  for  re-use  or  used  for  halter  tie  ropes. 

On  our  way  back  from  Parral  corn  was  generally  plentiful  and  we  had  some  hay.  I 
heard  much  comment  as  to  the  advisability  of  putting  the  animals  on  full  feed  at  once. 
For  me  that  was  decided  by  my  stable  sergeant.  The  horses  had  had  a  full  feed  at  night 
and  were  to  have  a  full  feed  in  the  morning,  but  in  addition  to  these  feeds  of  corn  there 
was  some  wheat  for  which  we  would  have  no  transportation  the  following  day.  He,  in 
disobedience  to  my  orders,  got  up  at  2  a.  m.  and  fed  the  wheat  rather  than  leave  it.  I 
wanted  to  try  him  by  court-martial  but  awaited  results.  The  result  was  .that  I  became  a 
convert  to  the  Indian's  method  of  "eating  all  you  can  while  you  have  it,  and  starve  when 
you  have  to,"  when  it  comes  to  feeding  hard  working  horses.  I  also  adopted  the  same 
motto  for  the  pale  face. 

During  the  return  march  north  from  San  Antonio  a  very  curious  thing  developed. 
Prior  to  May  1st  I  had  rot  had  a  sore  back  in  my  troop — not  a  man  had  walked  on  this 
account.  At  San  Antonio  we  rested  for  three  or  four  days,  and  again  at  Lake  Itascate. 
It  was  at  this  latter  place  that  I  noticed  some  of  the  withers  thickening  and  becoming  quite 
hard,  eventually  requiring  the  lance,  and  while  the  horses  were  doing  absolutely  nothing. 
It  was  a  great  surprise  to  me  at  the  time,  and  if  crying  could  have  done  any  good  I  think 
I  would  have  tried  it.  To  think  that  this  should  have  happened  after  the  trouble  and  pains 
taken  !  On  sober  thought  I  realized  that  it  was  just  what  I  might  have  expected.  However, 
there  were  only  a  few  of  these  and  none  broke  out  after  we  started  to  use  the  horses  again. 

After  separating  from  the  First  Squadron  on  April  1st,  with  whom  we  did  not  again 
join  until  about  May  14th  at  Xaniiquipa,  we  had  a  very  pretty  action  against  Villistas.  We 
stiuck  them  at  about  1:30  p.  m.  They  had  undoubtedly  already  begun  to  retreat  and  our 
action  was  with  their  rear  guard  only.  They  opened  up  at  longe  range  on  Troop  E,  (Capt. 
S.  D.  Smith),  our  advance  guard.  We  could  see  them  leaving  the  village  of  Aguas  Cali- 
entes  and  turn  to  the  left  around  a  low  mountain  peak.  Troop  F  (Capt.  W.  S.  Valentine) 
was  sent  across  the  saddle,  hoping  to  head  them  off  on  our  extreme  left ;  I,  with  Troop  H, 
was  sent  up  over  this  peak  just  to  the  left  of  the  village,  Major  Chas.  Young  accompanying 
me;  the  Machine  Gun  Troop  (Captain  A.  E.  Phillips)  went  forward  to  take  care  of  the 
ridge  to  the  immediate  right  of  the  village,  and  Troop  G  (Captain  Geo.  B.  Rodney)  was 
rear  guard  and  escort  for  the  pack  train,  was  for  the  moment  held  until  it  was  learned  that 
they  were  melting,  away  in  our  front.  Having  gained  the  peak  and  finding  no  enemy,  1  got 
word  from  Captain  Valentine  that  he  was  engaged  further  to  my  left,  and  pulled  my  troop 
oi'f  in  that  direction.  My  troop  remained  in  line  of  foragers  at  the  trot  and  came  up  on 
Captain  Valentine's  left  rear  and  continued  in  the  oblique  direction  so  that  eventually 
Captain  Valentine's  front  was  covered,  leaving  him  free  to  mount  and  follow,  which  he 
promptly  did.  Troops  E,  G  and  machine  guns  went  on  through  the  town. 

When  the  Mexicans  saw  my  reinforcing  troop  they  scattered  and  their  fire  became 
much  more  diminished.  It  was  all  going  wild,  so  that  my  troop  continued  at  the  trot  in 
hopes  of  striking  the  main  body.  I  finally  saw  what  appeared  to  be  about  one  hundred  and 
fifty  men  about  two  miles  ahead.  I  'assembled  my  troops  on  ground  favorable  for  rapid 
movements,  sent  a  message  to  Colonel  Brown  and  went  after  them  at  the  gallop,  closely 
followed  by  Captain  Valentine.  The  "cracks"  of  their  rifles  began  sounding  pretty  fre- 
quently again,  and  we  formed  foragers  and  later  dismounted  for  fire  action,  but  soon  saw 
that  that  was  not  the  proper  thing  to  do.  By  this  time  F  Troop  was  alongside  and  we  pur- 
sued them  up  to  a  horseshoe  shaped  ridge  at  the  top  of  which  they  were  seemingly  to  make 
a  stand.  Captain  Valentine  went  off  to  the  right  and  I  dismounted  one  platoon  under  first 
sergeant,  and  with  the  other  advanced  at  the  gallop  under  his  fire  to  the  end  of  the  horse- 
shoe, by  which  time  the  Mexican's  fire  had  ceased  and,  as  we  later  found  out,  they  dis- 
appeared from  the  face  of  the  earth  to  meet  us  on  many  occasions  afterwards  as  perfectly 
good,  loyal  Carrancistas.  Having  gained  the  ridge  all  trace  of  them  was  gone.  We  began 
riding  in  ever-increasing  circles  until  we  found  where  they  assembled  in  sufficient  numbers 
to  make  a  trail.  We  followed  this  over  the  ridge  and  down  to  a  ranch  (Mestcna)  on  the 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  139 

other  side,  where  the  people  claimed  that  about  one  hundred  and  fifty  Villistas  had  passed. 
It  was  then  probably  about  5  p.  m.  Messengers  were  sent  to  Colonel  Brown  and  Captain 
Valentine,  and  we  prepared  to  stay  there  for  the  night.  The  other  troops  came  in  about 
8  p.  m.  We  never  saw  these  Villistas  as  opponents  again.  I  made  no  notes  at  the  time 
and  have  been  unable  to  get  data  from  others  at  this  late  date,  so  I  will  not  try  to  give 
any  figures.  However,  none  of  our  men  were  hit  and  the  horses  were  the  only  part  of  our 
command  that  had  not  enjoyed  the  skirmish.  One  horse  was  wounded,  one  of  mine  dropped 
exhausted,  one  died  that  night,  we  killed  one  the  next  morning,  and  one  could  just  get 
along  by  being  led.  I  do  not  know  the  loss  of  the  animals  in  other  troops. 

We  captured  several  ponies  and  mules  and  a  part  of  their  pack  train.  We  know  of 
three  Mexicans  killed,  and  reports  from  Mexican  sources,  as  noted  in  American  papers, 
gave  their  casualties  as  forty-two,  but  I  doubt  the  number  and  do  not  believe  any  of  our 
officers  think  we  got  that  many.  As  they  were  never  out  in  the  open,  and  as  it  was  a 
running  fight,  we  had  no  opportunity  to  look  for  their  casualties  nor  did  we  particularly 
care  to  do  so. 

I  have  wished  many  times  that  I  had  deliberately  kept  such  notes  as  would  have  enabled 
me  to  give  real  data — figures  and  dates — covering  our  experiences,  especially  as  to  horses, 
their  forage,  shoeing,  condition,  etc.,  so  that  this  might  have  been  an  article  from  which 
more  valuable  information  could  be  gleaned  for  our  future  operations  such  as  will  un- 
doubtedly come  to  our  cavalry. 

However,  should  I  be  ordered  out  on  exactly  the  same  proposition  again,  and  know 
that  I  had  the  same  problems  to  face  in  the  same  high,  dry  altitude,  and  with  the  same 
strict  allowance,  I  would  beg  my  commanding  officer  for  one  more  mule  per  troop  (making 
a  total  of  two)  and  about  two  mules  per  squadron  to  carry  such  as  one  forge  and  one  set 
of  blacksmith  tools  and  a  small  quantity  of  farriers,  saddlers  and  medical  supplies.  I 
would  also  want  some  money,  unless  I  was  operating  in  a  hostile  country  and  could  take 
full  advantage  of  that  fact.  This,  of  course,  presupposes  that  the  squadron  will  stay  together, 
and  as  a  matter  of  fact  it  need  never  be  so  far  separated  that  each  troop  can  not  occasionally 
take  advantage  of  the  articles  on  the  two  squadron  mules. 

After  returning  to  Dublan  the  officers  of  the  regiment  were  called  together  and  re- 
quired to  vote  on  what  cavalry  actually  needed  for  just  such  operations  and  the  transporta- 
tion necessary  for  this  purpose.  Again  I  do  not  remember  figures,  but  I  do  remember  that 
we  could  have,  by  our  votes,  been  divided  into  three  distinct  classes,  depending  on  the 
experiences  passed  through,  viz :  First,  those  who  did  not  engage  in  an)'  scouting  operations ; 
second,  those  who  mostly  made  trips  from  some  base,  out  and  back  on  some  special  mis- 
sion ;  third,  those  composing  the  expedition  south  under  Colonel  Brown.  The  first  class 
voted  for  much  more  plunder  and  transportation  than  the  other  two,  and  the  third  class 
the  least  of  all. 


APPENDIX  "Q" 

HEAPQUARTERS   TENTH    CAVALRY 

Fort  Huachuca,  Arizona,  June  24,  1921. 
Memorandum : 

1.     The  following  letter  is  published  for  the  information  of  the  command: 

HEADQUARTERS    EIGHTH    CORPS    AREA 

Fort  Sam  Houston,  Texas,  June  20,  1921. 

From:    The  Adjutant. 

To:    Colonel  Edwin  B.  Winans,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Fort  Huachuca,  Arizona. 

Subject:     Commendation. 

The  following  extract  from  report  of  inspection  of  Fort  Huachuca,  Arizona,  made  by 
Lieut.  Colonel  W.  V.  Morris,  Inspector  General,  April  25-May  2,  1921,  is  furnished  you 
under  A.  R.  20-25  (11). 

Colonel  E.  B.  Winans,  Tenth  Cavalry,  is  worthy  of  commendation  for  the  improvement 
in  the  condition  of  the  Tenth  Cavalry  since  the  last  annual  inspection.  The  appearance, 
uniformity  and  completeness  of  equipment  were  excellent.  To  Colonel  Winans  is  also  due 
much  of  the  credit  for  the  excellent  morale,  and  esprit  of  the  regiment.  On  the  whole,  I 


140  HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY 

consider  the  Tenth  Cavalry  to  be  as  good,  and  in  some  respects  better,  than  the  Thirteenth 
Cavalry,  which  up  to  this  time,  was  in  the  best  condition  of  any  regiment  I  had  ever 
inspected. 

By  command  of  Major  General  Dickman : 

A.  E.  SAXTON, 

Adjutant. 

2.  In  publishing  this  commendation  to  the  regiment,  the  commanding  officer  desires  to 
say  that  officers  and  men  are  entitled  to  equal  share  in  the  credit,  for  without  their  co- 
operation, such  a  showing  would  have  been  impossible. 

EDWIN  B.  WINANS, 
Colonel,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Commanding. 

APPENDIX  "R" 

The  following  contribution  is  from  the  pen  of  Colonel  Frank  R.  McCoy,  ex-Second 
and  First  Lieutenant,  of  this  regiment.  His  record  in  the  A.  E.  F.  as  Lieutenant  Colonel, 
Colonel  and  Brigadier  is  well  known. 

SPECIAL   MISSION   TO  THE  PHILIPPINE   ISLANDS 

MalacKiifiJi  Palace,  Manila,  P.  I.,  June  llth,  1921. 
Major.  E.  L-  N.  Glass,  Tenth  Cavalry,  Fort  Huachuca,  Arizona. 

Dear  Major:  For  some  time  I  have  been  enjoying  the  Buffalo  Bulletin  with  many  a 
smile  of  a  good  green  remembrance,  and  for  all  of  that  time  I  have  been  intending  to 
write  you  and  express  my  thanks  and  continued  interest.  Just  before  leaving  the  States, 
I  received  your  letter  asking  for  some  reminiscences,  so  that  now  being  in  a  peaceful  mood 
for  a  change,  I  shall  be  glad  to  call  up  some  old  friends  and  incidents  of  my  service  in 
Cuba  with  the  Tenth  Cavalry. 

The  regiment  was  in  camp  at  Chickamauga  Park  in  April  of  '98,  when  Lieutenant  T.  A. 
Roberts  and  I,  both  of  the  class  of  '97,  and  having  served  in  the  Seventh  and  Eighth 
Cavalry,  respectively,  joined  from  those  regiments  left  behind,  from  which  we  were  lucky 
enough  to  obtain  transfers  to  the  Tenth,  then  on  the  way  to  the  light  in  Cuba.  I  joined 
A  Troop,  under  Lieutenant  R.  L.  Livermore  of  fragrant  memory,  and  on  one  of  the  last 
days  Colonel  Guy  V.  Henry  was  in  command.  1  lemember  the  day  of  my  arrival.  We  were 
ordered  to  mount  up  and  call  upon  the  colonels  and  officers  of  the  other  cavalry  regiments 
in  camp,  and  I  got  my  first  impression  of  the  dash  and  spirit  of  the  regiment  as  we  went 
over  at  full  gallop  to  call  on  the  Second,  a  line,  bold  lot  and  full  of  lighting  spirit  from 
the  Colonel  down,  and  what  is  more,  they  looked  the  part.  There  wasn't  a  fat  dub  in  the 
outfit.  Even  among  this  lean  lot,  Colonel  Guy  V.  Henry,  Colonel  Wint,  Jones,  Ayres, 
Watson,  Pershing,  Paxton,  Shipp,  Smith,  Whitehead,  Kennington,  Vidmer,  Livermore,  the 
two  new  lieutenants  were  referred  to  and  bets  laid  that  they  were  thinner  than  Vidmer 
who  up  to  that  time  held  undisputed  honors  for  the  best  and  thinnest  cavalry  legs,  although 
Captain  Charles  G.  Ayres  had  his  opinion  as  to  which  were  the  most  shapely  and  the  best 
booted  and  spurred. 

My  first  night  around  the  camp  fire  was  a  most  agreeable  one  and  I  shall  always  look 
back  on  the  associations  started  there,  the  high  spirit  and  the  wide  range  of  fun  and  interest. 
Ayres  twirled  his  mustaches  and  held  that  his  father.  General  Ayres,  was  a  grand  soldier 
and  looked  the  part — "even  in  his  shift  tail  he  looked  like  the  God  of  War,"  and  he 
modestly  informed  us  youngsters  that  he  was  very  like  his  father.  Not  only  Charles  G.; 
but  all  others  in  the  regiment  soon  proved  their  worth  and  wear  in  the  hard  campaign  in 
Cuba,  and  have  left  an  abiding  pride  and  pleasure  of  association. 

Lieutenant  Pershing  left  us  after  the  Santiago  campaign  and  was  succeeded  as  quarter- 
master by  Lieutenant  Harbord.  Many  of  the  other  generals  of  the  late  war,  such  as 
Barnum,  Hay,  Rockenbach,  and  a  number  of  the  most  gallant  and  able  colonels,  such  as 
Bruce  Palmer,  Whitehead,  Vidmer,  Whitesides,  Short  and  Gordon  Johnson,  served  with 
the  regiment  during  the  military  occupation  of  Cuba,  and  got  their  experience  in  colonial 
and  other  work  there.  In  recalling  all  these  beloved  comrades,  I  think  of  my  own  captain, 
Beck,  whom  I  first  saw  chasing  our  transport  in  Tampa  Bay  reporting  from  sick  leave 
in  spite  of  orders  to  stay  sick,  and  climbing  a  rope  tossed  overboard  the  good  ship  Leona, 
bound  for  Santiago.  He  had  been  a  captain  of  cavalry  thirty-five  years  before  and  had 


HISTORY  OF  TENTH  CAVALRY  141 

commanded  Sherman's  bodyguard  in  the  March  to  the  Sea,  and  he  served  through  the 
Santiago  campaign  as  a  captain,  but  one  full  of  experience  and  real  leadership  on  the 
battlefield,  that  1  for  one  shall  always  be  grateful  for  having  benefitted  by  during  that 
campaign.  The  last  time  I  saw  the  old  Colonel  was  when  in  the  War  College  he  sent  for 
me  to  come  to  the  hospital  at  Washington  Barracks,  and  I  found  him  propped  up  in  bed 
smoking  a  pipe,  cheerful  and  cool  as  ever,  and  asked  me  to  stand  by  him  while  he  had  his 
leg  cut  off.  Nothing  ever  feazed  that  sturdy  old  soldier,  whether  on  the  battlefield  or 
under  the  hack  of  the  surgeon.  His  only  remark  to  me  when  I  was  knocked  out  on  San 
Juan  Hill,  was  a  casual  glance  at  my  wounded  leg  and  a  smile,  "Well,  McCoy,  you  are 
safe.  The  Spaniards  are  not  good  enough  marksmen  to  hit  you  again,"  and  then  just  as 
casually  asked  me  for  my  field  glasses  and  pouchful  of  tobacco  as  he  trudged  off  to  the 
front  line  where  he  organized  the  scattered  remnants  of  various  regiments  and  made  dis- 
positions for  holding  the  hill  against  counter-attacks,  Major  Stephen  Norvell,  the  Squadron 
Command,  was  another  gallant  veteran  of  the  Civil  War  whom  I  shall  always  look  back 
on  with  pride  and  pleasure.  Lieutenant  Roberts,  my  side  partner  and  dearest  friend,  was 
also  knocked  out  at  Santiago  by  a  Mauser  bullet  through  the  stomach,  and  after  applying 
first  aid  to  himself,  wrote  me  a  little  line,  a  will  and  farewell,  leaving  his  slicker  to  Smith 
and  his  tobacco  to  me,  but,  thank  Heaven,  he  pulled  through  to  fight  many  a  good  fight 
since  and  to  command  another  black  regiment  with  distinguished  success  in  France. 
Pendergast  was  first  serpeant  of  A  Troop,  then  one  of  the  best  shots  in  the  Army,  and 
did  some  effective  shooting  of  Spaniards  when  they  were  tryine:  to  reform  and  reattack 
San  Juan  Hill  on  the  afternoon  of  July  1st.  Carter  Smith,  Smith  Johnson,  Taylor,  Saddler 
Adams,  Blue,  who  was  wounded  at  the  same  time  T  was  and  is  still  a  sergeant  in  the  Army 
with  an  excellent  record  in  France ;  Corporal  Wiley  Hipshur,  who  was  left  in  charge  of 
my  Gordon  setter  and  the  packs  of  the  trroop  thrown  off  under  the  balloon  near  the 
Bloodv  Bend,  and  who  walked  up  and  down  in  the  very  hottest  part  of  the  battlefield  all 
that  day  until  wounded ;  and  Parker,  who  looked  after  all  the  wounded  with  faithful  and 
effective  care,  all  come  to  my  mind  with  warm  feelings  of  remembrance.  Charles  A.  Lewis, 
who  was  one  of  the  voung  rookies  of  that  campaign,  T  saw  the  other  day  as  a  sergeant  of 
the  Ninth  Cavalry  while  we  were  playing  polo  at  Camp  Stotsenburg.  The  most  picturesque 
character  in  the  regiment  in  those  days  was  Carter  Johnson,  who  remained  in  it  until  he 
was  retired  at  Fort  Robinson.  The  regiment  will  always  cherish  his  memory  and  fighting 
qualities  with  many  a  laugh  at  his  eccentricities,  adventures  and  misadventures.  Some  day 
the  ree-imental  history  must  have  the  account  of  his  foray  in  Cuba  in  the  summer  of  '98 
with  the  picked  troop  that  took  in  arms  and  supplies  to  Gomez,  not  forgetting  the  fieht 
at  Arrovo  Blanco  where  he  had  a  fight  with  General  Gomez  as  well  as  with  the  Spaniards, 
and  pulled  down  the  Cuban  flag  from  the  flagpole,  and  having  no  American  flag  at  hand, 
ran  up  his  blue  blouse  as  a  sign  of  capture,  and  threatened  to  shoot  the  first  man  that 
attempted  to  lower  it.  But  he  would  require  a  whole  book  to  himself. 

I  must  end  these  rambling  reminiscences  with  a  heart  full  of  thanks  to  vou  and  your 
colonel  for  the  reviving  of  the  old  time  spirit  of  the  regiment  and  showing  it  in  so  many 
soldierly  ways.  Tf  it  was  the  proper  time  and  place.  I  could  spin  many  a  yarn  about  the 
present  colonel  of  the  regiment,  for  I  served  alongside  of  him  through  those  great  months 
of  September,  October  and  November  of  1918,  and  when  we  are  old  enough  soldiers  to 
turn  loose  and  tell  the  story  of  the  Great  War,  General  Winans  and  his  Wisconsin  brieade 
will  touch  the  high  spots  when  it  comes  to  writing  of  the  hot  fisrhting  at  Juvigny  and  the 
break  through  the  Kriemhilde  Stellung  on  Le  Cote  Dame  Marie  in  the  Argonne. 

With  my  best  hows  and  best  wishes  for  you  both  and  good  luck  to  the  regiment. 

Very  sincerely  yours, 

FRANK  M'COY. 


CORNER  OF  OFFICERS'  CLUB,  FT.  HUACHUCA 


to* 


1>KINTKD   BY 

ACME   PRINTING   COMPANY 

TLTC«ON,  ARIZONA. 

1921 


